Members’ Newsletter
March 2026
Message from the CEO
Dear member,
March begins with further trade uncertainty following the US Supreme Court’s rejection of the “Trump Tariffs. While this impacts relatively few of our members directly, it saps business confidence for everyone. Exporting businesses, and their suppliers, cannot manage with this level of market chaos.
The EU’s Pay Transparency Directive must be transposed into Irish law by 7th June. It will affect every business and introduce onerous obligations on employers to be transparent regarding pay and pay progression. It places greater gender pay gap reporting obligations on employers including the requirement to report on categories of workers, namely those performing the same work or work of equal value. Should a gender pay gap of over 5% exist in any ‘category of worker’ which cannot be justified by objective, gender neutral criteria and has not been remedied within 6 months, a joint pay assessment will need to be conducted with workers’ representatives in order to identify, remedy and prevent differences in pay.
ISME has significant reservations on the transposition of this directive, and we believe that Ireland should, like the Netherlands, seek a delay. Ireland’s Gender Pay Gap Information Act already covers much of the ground in it. At a minimum, there is a need to ensure that Ireland does not gold plate what is already very onerous legislation.
We are delighted that the Tánaiste’s savings account plan seems like it might move ahead. With €167bn of domestic savings earning negative returns while SMEs are starved of cash, we hope his plans will include a methodology to encourage savers to invest in small business, as has been so successful in Sweden.
Thank you all for completing the policy survey we circulated in February. I attach the results below. It is disappointing after years of intensive lobbying that insurance remains the third highest issue for members. InterTradeIreland data to be published this week will show that insurance is actually the most significant issue for most businesses. A lot done, more to do.
Lastly, I must express my condolences and those of the National Council and staff to the family of Anne Reilly who passed away last month. Anne was a remarkable entrepreneur, founder of Paycheck Plus and a pioneer in Ireland’s payroll outsourcing sector. She was a member of the 2021-2023 National Council.
ISME news
Business and labour costs top of SME concerns
ISME has published the results of its latest member survey identifying the priority issues facing SMEs in 2026, with business costs and labour costs overwhelmingly dominating concerns
At 78% of respondents, business costs rank as the single biggest issue facing SMEs These include energy, rent, commercial rates and other overheads, all of which have been subject to sustained and significant inflation in recent years ISME notes that despite easing inflation in some areas of the wider economy, these structural business costs have not moderated
Labour costs follow closely behind, at 76% of respondents This includes employer PRSI, auto enrolment, statutory sick pay and related payroll burdens Ireland has the fourth highest median wages in the EU, according to 2022 Eurostat figures, and SMEs continue to absorb cumulative increases in employment-related costs
ISME said the survey findings underline the need for Government to focus on structural cost competitiveness in 2026, rather than layering additional obligations onto small businesses already operating on tight margins Read the full article here
New ISME Webinar on Dignity at Work: Register Now
On Thursday 16th April at 12pm, Tracy O'Brien will be joining us to give you practical advice and help you:
• Learn about best practices to prevent Bullying and Harassment in your workplace.
• Learn how to deal with allegations of bullying effectively
• Understand how recent case law may impact how you manage allegations of Bullying and Harassment
• Gain insight into what Biases may be alive in your organisation, their impact and how to mitigate them
• Understand the differing roles your organisation is required to have to deal with an allegation of bullying.
Find out more about the webinar and register here
ISME news
Share your insights and experience of business fraud and scams
Financial fraud and scams are an increasing risk for Irish SMEs, leading not only to direct financial loss but also disruption in day-to-day business operations. This survey aims to understand how SMEs are being targeted, their level of awareness of common fraud and scam types and the controls and everyday practices in place to help prevent fraud and protect their business.
As part of the FraudSMART SME campaign, we are conducting a short survey to better understand the impact of fraud on Irish SMEs. Can you share your insights and experience of business fraud and scams?
Complete this quick survey for a chance to win a €250 One4all voucher!
Access the survey here
Public consultation on the new Healthy Ireland Framework
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has launched a nationwide online public consultation to help inform the development of the next Healthy Ireland Framework.
Building on the solid foundations laid by the Healthy Ireland Framework 2013–2025, this consultation offers an opportunity for the public to collaboratively reimagine what health and wellbeing can mean for every individual and community across the country. It invites people from all walks of life to share their views, experiences and ambitions as Ireland creates a new roadmap towards greater health equality, with a particular focus on supporting minority and disadvantaged groups.
The public consultation will remain open until 22 April 2026 and is available in English and Irish.
Scan the QR Code to take the survey and click here to learn more,
ISME news
ISME HR Hub – your HR support
To support Members to deal with the ever-changing world of HR and employment law, we have created a portal to give you access to guides, templates, contracts, policies and more to support you in managing HR in your business. We have curated the information based on the HR Life Cycle: Attraction, Recruitment, Onboarding, Policies & Training, Performance Management and Exit.
You can also find information from government agencies and other third parties in our General Information & Resources page, links to the top downloads and view our selection of blogs including Statutory Sick Pay FAQs and EU Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions.
To find out how it works and looks, click on the video about the portal here To use the ISME HR Hub log into the Members Area, click on the top left button.
Reach Ireland’s SME Decision Makers in 2026!
Put your brand in front of over 15,000 Irish SMEs and key business leaders through The bISME the official business magazine of ISME, Ireland’s leading independent association for small and medium enterprises. The bISME combines high-value editorial with trusted insights across sectors like retail, manufacturing, services, construction, transport and more and every issue is emailed directly to business owners and promoted online.
Download the spec here or email marketing@isme.ie for more information
ISME news
Streamlined Funding Access for Irish SMEs with ISME Finance Finder
The ISME Finance Finder, developed in partnership with Swoop Funding, is an online platform designed to streamline access to finance for Irish SMEs. It offers a centralized solution for businesses seeking funding options to start, expand, improve cash flow, refinance debt, acquire assets, or invest in new markets. Key features include:
• Comprehensive Funding Options: Access to loans, equity, grants, and asset finance tailored to various business needs.
• Expert Guidance: Support from a team of funding specialists to assist with queries and application processes.
• Application Tools: Provision of templates and resources to facilitate funding applications.
• Dedicated Support: Availability of a hotline and email support five days a week for funding-related inquiries.
• Regular Updates: Finance updates and alerts to keep businesses informed of new opportunities
Q4 2025 Bank Watch Survey
Please take our Bank Watch Survey for Q4 2025 based on your experiences of accessing finance and engaging with lenders here.
Additionally, businesses can avail of a complimentary 30-minute one-on-one consultation with Swoop's funding experts, offering confidential and obligation-free advice.
For more information or to begin your funding journey, visit the ISME Finance Finder.
The Bank Watch Survey provides us with the latest up to date information on SME's access to finance. The findings of these surveys will be circulated to media and will feed into relevant groups and committees ISME sit on. Reports will also be uploaded to the ISME website, view previous reports here.
Please share this survey with your network.
ISME news
The bISME- Winter Issue Out Now!
The Winter issue of bISME is here – a jam-packed edition bringing timely insight, expert commentary, and practical guidance for Ireland’s SME community as we navigate rising costs, new obligations, and ongoing uncertainty.
Read and download the Winter issue here
New Energy Academy Module Launch: Energy Upgrades for your Business from SEAI
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is running a free online workshop on Thursday 12th March 2-4pm, teaching the basics of implementing energy management within your business.
This workshop will be delivered by one of Ireland's leading energy experts and will take you through the six steps to creating a business energy action plan, which will help you implement energy management practices in your business, save money, become more energy efficient and resilient to rising energy costs.
To learn more and register your interest please click here: Energy Efficiency Training for SMEs | Business | SEAI
Please note this training is open to Irish businesses and is not open to energy industry or energy professionals/consultants at this time.
ISME news
Health & Safety Authority Update
❑ Workplace Occupational Safety and Health Training (HSA Resources): Employees require Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training at different points in time. Providing comprehensive occupational health and safety training for staff is essential to fostering a safe and healthy workplace environment. The provision of training helps reduce the risk of work-related injuries and ill health. This page provides links to information including the employee OSH learner journey, workplace OSH training requirements and approach, tips for procuring training, training providers, hsalearning.ie and more.
❑ Code of Practice: Safe Use of Industrial Trucks: This Code of Practice provides practical guidance on compliance with legislation related to the use of rider operated industrial trucks in all workplaces.
❑ Driving for Work: Risk Management Guidance for Employers: This guidance document has been jointly developed by An Garda Síochána, the Health and Safety Authority and the Road Safety Authority to help employers understand and manage the main risks that working drivers face and create when driving for work.
❑ Annual Review of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities 2022–2023 report presents the Annual Review of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities for 2022- 2023. In preparing this report, we recognise the importance of providing reliable and up-to-date statistical information as an evidence base for decision-making.
❑ A Short Guide to Health Surveillance in the Workplace aims to assist employers and health professionals working on their behalf in understanding their legal requirements regarding health surveillance in the workplace. It also highlights the key elements to consider when implementing a health surveillance programme.
❑ Employing Apprentices: Safety On the Job information sheet is written for people who employ apprentices. It provides a summary overview of how employers should fulfil their duties as an employer and protect apprentices, who may be more at risk of injury and ill health.
❑ Safety On the Job for Apprentices- This information sheet is written for Apprentices. It provides some essential tips to help Apprentices stay safe and healthy as they start their career.
Market Updates
What’s happening in foreign exchange markets?
Key events that influenced foreign exchange markets in February
• The European Central Bank (ECB) kept interest rates on hold with President Lagarde describing inflation as being in a “good place”. She also added that the ECB doesn’t target a particular exchange rate.
• The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% after a close vote which split the decision-making committee five to four.
• UK inflation fell to 3% in January which marks the lowest level since March 2025.
• US President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to run the Federal Reserve. Current Fed head Jerome Powell’s term is set to end in May. Mr Warsh will now undergo a Senate confirmation.
• The US economy added 130,000 jobs in January (against of a forecast of +80,000), with the unemployment rate falling to 4.3% from 4.4% in December.
• President Trump’s new global tariffs come into effect at 10%
What data and factors could impact the major currencies in March?
• Friday March 6th - US Nonfarm Payrolls employment data
• Wednesday March 18th – European inflation rate year on year
• Wednesday March 18th – US Federal Reserve interest rate decision
• Thursday March 19th – European Central Bank interest rate decision
• Thursday March 19th – Bank of England interest rate decision
As an ISME member, you have exclusive access to Fexco’s dedicated account manager John Barry, who will help you with all your foreign exchange requirements.
• Reduce your cross-border payments costs
• Protect your business from currency volatility
Discover the benefits to your business without an obligation to trade!
>>Tell Me More>>
HR Updates
Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Work
In January 2026, the Irish Government formally introduced an updated Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Work, signalling a refreshed approach to flexible work arrangements in workplaces across the country. The revised Code, prepared by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and signed into law by Minister of State Alan Dillon on 22 January 2026, replaces guidance that had been in place since 2006.
While the Code itself does not create new statutory rights, it provides comprehensive practical guidance to help employers and employees structure part-time work arrangements fairly and effectively in a modern labour market.
Part-time work remains a key component of flexible working arrangements in Ireland, alongside options such as term-time working, job-sharing, compressed hours, and remote work. The Government has emphasised the role of such flexibility in supporting labour-market participation, especially for parents, carers, older workers, and students, as well as in enhancing work–life balance and employee wellbeing. Employers are encouraged to review internal policies and to consider publishing gender-balanced data on flexible working uptake to promote transparency and fairness.
At its core the updated Code is underpinned by the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001, which implements an EU Framework Directive and ensures that part-time employees are not treated less favourably than comparable full-time employees, with pay and benefits applied on a pro-rata basis where appropriate.
Key Practical Obligations for Employers
Although the Code does not establish a legal right to part-time work, it sets out a series of best practice obligations and expectations for employers seeking to manage part-time arrangements fairly and consistently.
1. Develop and Review Policies: Employers should review existing organizational policies on flexible work or introduce new ones where none exist. These policies should articulate the organisation’s approach to parttime work, set out objective criteria for suitability, and be developed in consultation with employees or representatives where appropriate.
2. Recruitment and Job Design: When creating or advertising positions, employers are encouraged to consider whether roles can be structured on a part-time basis without compromising operational needs. This means assessing job duties, service delivery requirements, and potential flexibility at the design stage.
HR Updates
3. Structured Request Process: A central practical requirement is that employers should establish a clear, documented process for handling requests to move from full-time to part-time work (or vice versa) and for requests to increase working hours. This includes setting out how applications should be made, consulting with the employee on personal and business needs, providing timely decisions, and communicating clear reasons if a request is refused or deferred. Employers are also advised to maintain an appeal or grievance mechanism.
4. Equal Access to Training and Career Development: Employers should ensure that part-time employees are not disadvantaged in training opportunities, promotion pathways, or career development. Training scheduling should take the needs of part-time staff into account, and performance appraisal and promotion policies should be reviewed to remove barriers to progression.
5. Protection from Penalisation: The Code explicitly states that employers must not penalise employees for exercising rights under the Part-Time Work Act or for declining employer requests to change working arrangements. This protection helps reinforce trust and fairness in workplace flexibility discussions
. By setting out these practical steps, the updated Code aims to foster a more inclusive and flexible workplace culture that recognises the value of part-time work for both businesses and employees. Employers who take proactive steps to implement its guidance can improve retention, widen their talent pool, and support a more adaptable workforce in line with contemporary labour market expectations.
The full code can be reviewed here on the WRC portal.
As a member of ISME you’ll find further details and resources in supporting your employees with requests under this code within our HR Hub.
Learning & Development
The ISME Skillnet service is here to help both the business owner and their employees.
ISME Members can receive up to 40% discount on ISME Skillnet training, view courses below.
