Although 96 per cent of firms know a national minimum wage will be introduced on April 1st, less than 1 per cent are aware of all its main provisions, according to a survey by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland.
Despite this lack of knowledge on the specifics of the proposed legislation, 53 per cent of firms believe its introduction will not affect them adversely and 39 per cent are convinced that it will. Those who answered "don't know" amounted to only 8 per cent.
Legislation on the measure is imminent but has been delayed because of talks between the social partners on a successor to Partnership 2000.
A rate of £4.40 per hour was recommended by a Government-appointed commission two years ago. Just before Christmas, the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, announced the measure would be introduced at this rate in the new legislation.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions, however, has been insisting that the measure be looked at again in talks on a new agreement.
ICTU deputy general secretary Ms Patricia O'Donovan wrote to Ms Harney calling for the measure to be part of a three-cornered approach to low pay, involving taxation, social welfare and flat rate increases.
The CCI survey published yesterday shows that only 63 per cent of firms are aware that the current recommended adult rate is £4.40 per hour, only 28 per cent know the rate for minors is £3.08 per hour (or 70 per cent of the adult rate) and only 45 per cent know that April is the planned date for implementation. Just 38 per cent of firms realise the rates will apply uniformly across all sectors.
