Members’ Newsletter
December 2025
Message from the CEO
Dear member,
As I write this, the long-promised portal for auto-enrolment for employers has gone live. In our view, leaving this until the last pay period for monthly-paid employees was far too late. We have yet to hear of bugs, glitches or problems, and it is unlikely that this will be perfect first time out. We would be obliged if you would let us know of any problems that occur for you.
The Department of Social Protection appears to be reacting to an ICTU press release concerning employers who enrol staff on their own PRSA. We understand this will mean there will be a statutory instrument appearing which will dictate minimum terms for PRSAs. We lack sufficient information to give you an informed position on this as yet, but as soon as we know what government is planning, we will advise you. Many thanks to those of you who attended the ISME Annual Lunch on Friday 28th, all reports received so far are extremely positive, especially regarding the “surprise guest” entertainment. Remember to keep 20th November 2026 in your diary free for the next one
We are conscious that for many employers, especially in the services sectors, payroll cost will incur a significant increase in Q1 with the minimum wage increasing to €14.15 from 1st January, and auto-enrolment of 1.5% of salary also kicking in from that date. We know many of you will be forced to cover this additional cost by decreasing hours, limiting overtime, increasing prices, or with other measures. Let us know what is happening in your business- it is important for us in our feedback to the Department of Enterprise.
As ever at this time of year, we advise citizens and members to shop local and buy local. It is a really important time of year for so many businesses, especially those who have been adversely affected by the Fastway receivership.
Remember to use the Revenue Small Benefit Exemption scheme, for your staff this year, it is always appreciated by them and it’s tax efficient. You can order your Me2You gift cards from ISME. Remember- you can now gift up to €1,500 annually, which is the equivalent of €3,480.68 in total remuneration cost to you the employer.
Lastly, it remains only for me to wish you and your staff a very Happy Christmas, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
ISME events
ISME Annual Business Lunch 2025 – A Successful Celebration of Connection, Conversation & Inspiration!
Enjoy the sneak peak from our Annual Business Lunch 2025 which took place on Friday 28th November at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Dublin. A huge thank you to all our sponsors, special guests and attendees for making this event a huge success. We hope you enjoyed the delicious four course meal and the surprise après lunch entertainment!
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
Q3 2025 Bank Watch Survey
Please take our Bank Watch Survey for Q3 2025 based on your experiences of accessing finance and engaging with lenders here.
Additionally, businesses can avail of a complimentary 30-minute oneon-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
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.
An Post achieves 50% CO2 target early, sets sights on Net Zero by 2030
An Post has achieved a 50% reduction in carbon emissions three months ahead of schedule, becoming one of the first national postal organisations in the world to reach this milestone a rare example of a large semi-state commercial body delivering measurable climate impact while simultaneously growing its business and profits.
An Post's original target of a 50% CO2 emissions reduction by 2030 was set in 2017; however, in 2021, An Post brought forward this target to the end of 2025, reflecting the urgency of delivering climate action and demonstrating its commitment to pursuing Ireland's sustainability goals. Today’s announcement demonstrates tangible progress motivated by the 2015 Paris agreement and a 1.5-degree climate change limiting scenario, a key focus for the COP 30 Climate Change summit in Brazil. The transition to EVs and to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in HGVs has created a cleaner, quieter and healthier environment for communities nationwide.
Through a €100m investment to decarbonise its operation, more than half of An Post’s delivery routes are now electrified by the nation’s largest electric vehicle fleet. A total of 95% of heavy vehicles have been switched to renewable HVO fuel, with 99% of its buildings now powered with green energy. This 50% milestone has been achieved despite a 300% increase in parcels, from 20 million delivered in 2009 to 78 million this year, representing 1.25 million extra parcels delivered each week.
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 November
• The US government shutdown resulted in many US data releases being delayed - The latest data released at the end of November portray a US economy that is not weakening as quickly as suggested by earlier releasesInitial Jobless Claims came in at 216,000, beating expectations of 225,000, and US Durable Goods Orders rose 0.5% in September, above the 0.3% consensus, signaling resilience in manufacturing demand.
• Despite the stronger than expected data, investors remain largely convinced that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will need to cut interest rates in December, a scenario still priced at over 80% by markets (as at Nov 26th)
• European Union annual inflation was 2.5% in October 2025, down from 2.6% in September. A year earlier, the rate was 2.3%.
• Euro zone retail sales unexpectedly fell in September, with retail trade falling by 0.1% on the month, coming short of expectations for a 0.2% rise
What data and factors could impact the major currencies in December?
• Wednesday December 10th – US interest rate decision
• Tuesday December 16th – US Employment report
• Wednesday December 17th - European core Inflation year on year
• Thursday December 18th – ECB interest rate decision
• Thursday December 18th – UK 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!
Learning & Development
The ISME Skillnet service is here to help both the business owner and their employees.
Planning & Budgeting in Accounts View Course
ISME Members can receive up to 40% discount on ISME Skillnet training, view courses below. SCAN THE QR CODE TO FIND THE FULL LISTING
Introductory Certificate in Bookkeeping using Big Red Cloud View Course
