The Government has said it believes the disruption associated with today's protest over redundancy pay is unnecessary.
In a statement issued earlier today, it said: "The action is occurring at a time when many employments are facing significant challenges and the disruption involved may, in some cases, be serious in its effects. In addition, the inconvenience to members of the public may be considerable".
It said the action is particularly regrettable as national-level talks between the Government and the social partners are to start soon on a successor to the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
The statement said progress has been made in a number of cases where Labour Court recommendations over redundancy payments have not been implemented. It also said that, arising from the work of the National Implementation Body, there were means to find the resolution of comparable disputes in a small number of other identified employments.
"Accordingly, the Government believes that the disruption associated with the day of protest is unnecessary," the Government said.