For 90 per cent of Irish chief executives, finding and keeping staff will be their priority in 2001, a survey has shown.

Compiled by accountants Deloitte & Touche and Enterprise Ireland, the study shows the availability of staff and employment costs emerged as the largest constraint on growth. In addition 83 per cent of respondents believed training and development costs would increase significantly in 2001. Consumer demand, along with a labour shortage are causing a longer working day with chief executives expecting their business hours to increase over the next three years.

Many are preparing to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Commenting on the findings, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said there were measures which Government and business could take to overcome recruitment difficulties. "Businesses must provide a working friendly environment for all employees and find means of remunerating and rewarding staff. In this regard I welcome the development of share option schemes. Their introduction encourages loyalty, helps retain skilled labour and are a viable alternative to pay increases," she said.

More than 200 companies participated in the survey with a typical respondent being a chief executive or director in an Irish-owned company employing fewer than 250 people.