Seagate Closure

Sir, - Competition from low-wage Asian countries must continue to be of concern to the IDA in its efforts to attract job-creating…

Sir, - Competition from low-wage Asian countries must continue to be of concern to the IDA in its efforts to attract job-creating industries to this country.In case there are other companies facing the dilemma, and perhaps having even to consider relocation, it is important to realise that there is a way in which the problem can be resolved.With the co-operation of employees and their unions, our current profit-sharing legislation can be availed of to reduce the above-the-line payroll cost, transferring a significant percentage to below-the-line, while benefiting participating employees' remuneration. The transfer, so organised, would reduce overheads and improve competitiveness.As is the case with approved profit-sharing schemes under the 1982/84 legislation, the arrangement would have to be monitored by the Revenue Commissioners, but their support for what is an imaginative adaptation of current regulations should be forthcoming. - Yours, etc.,Jack Fitzpatrick, FCA,Strand Road,Bray,Co Wicklow.