The national pay talks between employers and unions are close to agreement on a pay increase of more than 5 per cent for 18 months, according to sources close to the talks.
A 4 per cent rise offered by employers was being resisted by unions, who were holding out for an increase of at least 6 per cent, as well as a flat rate rise of €20 a week for workers on low pay.
The first phase of a pay deal would come into effect for some private sector workers on July 1st. It was anticipated that public sector staff would receive the first phase next June, in tandem with the final payment of benchmarking.
The deal was also expected to pave the way for a new benchmarking body to begin work next year, with a report to be issued about two years later.