Hardware Association Ireland’s (HAI) recently published Wage Rate Survey for hardware retailers and builders’ merchants reveals significant pressure from rising wage costs, shortages in staff, challenges in recruiting and overall operational expenses.
It highlights the growing challenges our sector is facing as we navigate an increasingly competitive labour market and rising costs across the board.
Key insights are:
- 85% of retailers and builders merchants claim that the National Minimum Wage has had a major negative impact on their businesses. The knock-on effects of salary expectations are having a massive impact on costs
- 82% have increased their wages this year (up from 68% in 2023)
- Wages have risen 17% since 2021!
- 80% claim major constraints to hiring, with 75% citing a shortage of suitable candidates as a major constraint.
Hardware Association Ireland say that we need measures that address these wage pressures and help ensure the long-term viability of hardware retailers and builders’ merchants, as we underpin the critical infrastructure of construction and housing.
HAI looks forward to working with Government in the coming weeks and continuing to advocate for stronger support and solutions.
For access to the full report, please contact aoife@hardwareassociation.ie.
