Members’ Newsletter
April 2026
Message from the CEO
Dear member,
April sees the beginning of a second month of war in the Middle East, where oil infrastructure is being targeted. We have already seen an increase in inflation as a result, and this trend is likely to continue, since there will be a long tail to infrastructure repair. This is likely to prove very difficult to manage for our SME base We have asked Government to consider direct enterprise energy supports HERE
ISME launched our Indigenous Enterprise Policy on 25th March. This is intended to address the imbalance in our economy between a highly productive and profitable FDI sector, and an SME sector that struggles with both While they are not as lucrative as big business, our micro businesses (<10 employees) nonetheless are responsible for 47% of employments, 42% of total earnings, 40% of income tax, 41% of PRSI, and 36% of VAT Our priority with this new policy is to direct government attention to Ireland’s “everyday entrepreneurs ”
We believe there has been too much focus of late on innovation-driven enterprise and on exporting businesses. We see many brilliant businesses (“hidden champions”) which are not high technology or export-intensive, but which are highly productive. We should and we must encourage those to scale. Scaling a business is the fasted way to generate higher productivity, via economies of scale.
An indigenous enterprise policy that scales small business will require the Department of Finance to provide:
• Tax policy (both personal and enterprise) which encourages scale
• Investment policy that encourages the diversion of capital from unproductive deposits into productive venture capital, working capital or equity
The Low Pay Commission is currently considering its recommendations for the rate of the national minimum wage. This is an issue that has raised real unease among many SME sectors, particularly childcare, retail, hospitality and nursing home care ISME is facilitating a meeting among trade association representatives on 1st April to consider whether we can make a coordinated response to Government on the issue.
You will have seen an increase in audiovisual output lately, since the arrival of our new Head of Sales & Marketing James Mailley. It’s not just for us, if you have visual content about your business you would like the marketing team to share, drop an email to marketing@isme ie
Lastly, we are about to commence work on our pre-budget submission 2026 Most of the submission will be directed at delivery of our indigenous enterprise policy, but if you have priority policy areas you would like to see addressed in Budget 2027, please let us know asap.
ISME news
ISME calls for major policy shift to support indigenous business
ISME has called for a fundamental shift in Ireland’s economic strategy to better support indigenous businesses and reduce the State’s reliance on multinational corporations.
In a new policy paper, ‘Indigenous Enterprise Policy’, ISME warns that Ireland’s growing dependence on a small number of multinational firms poses significant risks to both the wider economy and the sustainability of public finances.
ISME says the Government must now move beyond merely acknowledging these risks and promote the growth of Irish-owned businesses across all sectors. ISME’s policy paper argues that Ireland’s current tax and funding structures do not adequately incentivise entrepreneurs to scale their companies, limiting the development of larger indigenous companies and reducing the number of firms that grow into significant domestic employers.
The organisation is calling for a range of reforms to address these challenges, including:
• A tax system that encourages entrepreneurs to scale their businesses rather than exit through sale
• Improved access to affordable capital for SMEs
• Reform of investment schemes to make them usable and attractive to investors
• Greater support for lifelong learning and workforce development
• A more strategic approach to FDI that strengthens linkages with indigenous enterprise
Read full article here
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 highvalue 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
ISME calls on Government to consider supports for SMEs amid ongoing fuel cost crisis
ISME has today called on the Government to consider alleviating the impact of fuel price increases as a result of the war in the Middle East and to develop contingency plans to support already stretched small and medium-sized businesses across Ireland
Many SMEs are being disproportionately affected by the spike in fuel prices, with businesses across the retail and hospitality sectors facing particularly heavy energy bills ISME has warned that if the current fuel cost crisis persists, many businesses will have little choice but to pass these rising costs on to their customers or consumers
Essential service providers, including nursing homes and childcare facilities, are under significant strain as they cannot reduce energy consumption without compromising the care provided to vulnerable people and young children Therefore, ISME is calling on the government to give serious consideration to measures that will mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs and to ensure a contingency plan is in place to support SMEs if the crisis continues or escalates further
Read the full article here.
ISME Leadership & Networking Forum Event – Book your free tickets now!
We are delighted to introduce the ISME Leadership and Networking Forum – in partnership with Jobs.ie. This exciting new event series is created to bring practical insights and expert guidance directly to SMEs across Ireland. The first stop in the series takes place on Wednesday 29th April in Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin from 8am-12pm
Attendees can expect:
• Update on the SME business landscape from ISME’s CEO
• Keynote speaker on talent insights, trends, and hiring success for SMEs
• Practical advice on HR, Health & Safety, and Sustainability
• Network with other local like-minded business owners and leaders
• Pitch My Business - showcase your business to attendees
ISME are proud to collaborate with Jobs.ie on these events where employers can share best practice and gain practical insights on protecting and growing their business.
Book Your Tickets Now
ISME news
Share your insights and experience on currency volatility and SME Payments
We’re gathering direct insight from ISME members to better understand how currency movements and cross-border payments are affecting day-to-day business Your input will help shape more practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to the real challenges members are facing
The survey is straightforward and should take no more than 2 minutes to complete. Please share this survey with your network.
Access the survey here
ISME HR Hub – your HR support
To support Members to deal with the everchanging 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.
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
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.
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
New Energy Academy Module Launch: Energy Upgrades for your Business from SEAI
Do you want to get a handle on your increasing energy costs but know very little about 'energy’? Why not register for SEAI’s FREE Introduction to Energy Management Training?
In this 2- hour online workshop, delivered by one of Ireland's leading energy consultants, you will be guided through the creation of an energy action plan for your business, including:
• Creating the business case
• Assigning an Energy Coordinator
• Writing your energy statement
• Tracking your energy consumption
• Identifying potential areas to save energy & costs
• Creating your energy action plan
Their next workshop is on Thursday 9th April 2-4pm, but there is a selection of 2026 workshop dates available, so you can choose the right time for you:
Learn more or register here Energy Efficiency Training for SMEs | Business | SEAI
Check out other SEAI events here
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 March
• The war in Iran significantly impacted markets, with stock markets tumbling, energy prices rising significantly and the “safe haven” dollar strengthening against the euro.
• US Nonfarm payrolls declined by 92k in February, well below the consensus forecast calling for a gain of 55k. Revisions to the two prior months subtracted a total of 69k from the previously reported figures, with the bulk of the revisions concentrated in December.
• Euro area annual inflation came in at 1.9% in February, up from 1.7% in January, according to Eurostat’s flash estimate. Economists had expected the rate to hold steady.
• The US Fed voted to hold rates steady, noting the ‘uncertain’ impacts from the Iran war.
• The European Central Bank opted to keep interest rates on hold, saying the war in Iran has made the outlook “significantly more uncertain”. Policymakers said the conflict had created “upside risks for inflation and downside risks for economic growth”.
• The Bank of England announced it was leaving its key rate unchanged noting that it "stands ready to act" on interest rates to hold back rising prices if the Middle East conflict continues.
What data and factors could impact the major currencies in April?
• Friday April 3rd - US Nonfarm Payrolls employment data
• Thursday April 16th – European inflation rate year on year
• Wednesday April 29th – US Federal Reserve interest rate decision
• Thursday April 30th – European Central Bank interest rate decision
• Thursday April 30th – 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!
HR Updates
ABSENCE MANAGEMENT
Absence management is arguably one of the greatest challenges for any employer due to its sensitive nature, however, it is an essential area of people management that requires a consistent process to be applied.
In 2025, Absence was the main topic the ISME HR Team advised our members on. 13% of all the HR queries received last year fell under this category and has wider implications for the business if not managed effectively.
The main types of absences managers and business owners have been dealing with are as follows:
• Short Term Absence - absence from work for short periods of time which is typically anything from one day up to a month in duration.
• Long Term Absence - usually absence of at least four weeks
• Sporadic Absence - where an employee will have a number of days absence, usually a day or two at a time, built up over a long period of time.
• Unauthorised Absence - otherwise known as AWOL, when an employee leaves or does not show up for work without consent and without contacting their employer.
In order to ensure that the employee is supported, it is important to ensure that the ‘Return to Work’ process is managed appropriately. Successful absence management is reliant on strong procedures being implemented in the workplace. Below is an outline of some vital steps your company should
• A clear and comprehensive absence management policy which is communicated and shared with your team is crucial. The recommendation would be that management ensure employees are aware of the company expectations when it comes to reporting absences. Ensure the policy outlines notification and certification requirements, details of sick pay scheme (SSP or a more favourable Company Sick Pay Scheme) and an indication of how the company will approach attendance issues.
• Effective absence management can be achieved if you ensure early intervention by line managers. This includes regular communication with the employee during the absence and on their return to work and ensuring the company is keeping records of the employees absence. ISME recommends that companies conduct Return to Work Interviews after every period of sick leave in order to accurately maintain absence records and to act as a deterrent for non-attendance for nongenuine reasons.
HR Updates
• A clear and comprehensive absence management policy which is communicated and shared with your team is crucial. The recommendation would be that management ensure employees are aware of the company expectations when it comes to reporting absences. Ensure the policy outlines notification and certification requirements, details of sick pay scheme (SSP or a more favourable Company Sick Pay Scheme) and an indication of how the company will approach attendance issues.
• Effective absence management can be achieved if you ensure early intervention by line managers. This includes regular communication with the employee during the absence and on their return to work and ensuring the company is keeping records of the employees absence. ISME recommends that companies conduct Return to Work Interviews after every period of sick leave in order to accurately maintain absence records and to act as a deterrent for non-attendance for nongenuine reasons.
• A key step to success is to ensure that all managers are trained in the organisation’s absence policies and procedures and understand the role they are expected to play.
• Maintain regular contact with absent employee to ensure you stay up to date with their prognosis and potential return to work dates. Remember that the longer someone is off sick, the harder it can be for them to return.
• In certain situations the company may need to consider sourcing medical advice from an Occupational Health Practitioner. Actioning this step will be dependent on the details of each case to see if it is appropriate. Consulting a medical practitioner can be extremely beneficial to understand the situation and get professional advice on next steps and how to move forward.
• When an employee is out on Long Term Absence ISME would suggest you engage with the employee through regular Welfare Meetings. This purpose of these meetings is to assist the company gain a better understanding of the employee’s current health situation, to establish how long they’re likely to be absent from work, how likely they’re going to be able to perform their job role on their return, and what steps can be taken to support them.
In essence, effective absence management involves finding a balance between supporting employees with health problems and ensuring that the employer’s business objectives are not compromised. Companies may need to consider the following two points when managing Absence. ISME would advise that you call our helpline for further guidance on these areas:
HR Updates
Reasonable accommodation
Under the Employment Equality Acts employers must make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities to return to work. The accommodations should be ‘reasonable’ and should not impose a ‘disproportionate burden’ on the company.
Capability
Managing sickness absences can be complicated. Unfortunately on occasion a business may have to consider termination due to incapability. In these circumstances it is vital that the best practice process is followed and ISME would recommend companies take the time to manage things properly to avoid costly claims or challenges in the future.
The final key point to note would be to ensure the management of absence always adheres to the guidelines set down in the company’s absence policy.
SSP 2026
Since the introduction of Statutory Sick Pay in 2022, employees with 13 weeks continuous service, have been entitled to receive statutory sick pay which increased in increments each year. These days are paid by the employer at 70% of their normal pay, up to a maximum of €110 per day. The employee must be certified by a registered medical practitioner as unable to work.
For 2026, it had been scheduled for SSP would increase to 10 days. However, like in 2025, it has now been confirmed that this phased approach has been paused to allow the Government to review ESRI research on the impact of statutory sick leave and that therefore the entitlement currently remains at 5 days.
In light of these developments, we recommend that employers:
• Continue to apply the 5-day entitlement to those eligible
• Inform your employees of this update, particularly if they may not be aware of the change
• Review and update your Sick Pay Policy, Terms and Conditions of Employment and/ or Employee Handbook, should they reference the previous phased arrangement, to ensure alignment with the current legislation.
As always, if you require any support with HR or Employment Law you can contact the ISME HR Team on 01 6622755 Option 2 or via HR@ISME.ie. Members also have access to a full suite of HR templates regarding Absence management on the ISME 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.
Frontline Leaders Programme
Tuesday 7th April 2026 View Course
Getting Started with Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot Friday 10th April 2026 View Course
Introduction to Canva Tuesday 14th April 2026 View Course
Effective Communication & Influencing Skills Programme Tuesday 14th April 2026 View Course
An Introduction to Power BI Tool Thursday April 16th, 2026 View Course
Customer Service & Complaints Handling Tuesday 21st April 2026 View Course
Managing Priorities & Achieving More Tuesday 21st April 2026 View Course
Instagram for Business Thursday 23rd April 2026 View Course
Business & Email Etiquette Thursday 30th April 2026 View Course
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