Members’ Newsletter November 2026
Dear member,
Message from the CEO
Budget 2027 was a damp squid for both businesses and employees, but we have not given hope on further reform until the Finance Bill is signed into law. The welcome changes were: •
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The increase in the standard rate income tax cut-off to €46,500, and personal credits have been increased by €125. The decrease in CGT from 33% to 31% is long overdue. But needs to be a step on the journey to 25%. 31% is still too high, and is costing the Exchequer between €500m and €1.5bn in CGT foregone. The savings and investment scheme is designed to mobilise idle household deposits and channel them into productive investment. The permanent reduction in the carbon tax from €63.50 to €48.50 per tonne is a necessary response to the extreme price volatility in fuel costs. The small increases in the CAT threshold are sensible, but ISME believes thresholds should be automatically indexed. Existing business reliefs punish the transfer of family businesses. The undertaking from Government to move away from the concept of the Living Wage makes sense in the current economic environment.
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The failure to address simple, low-cost measures to assist SMEs to scale-up is concerning. We are still dangerously dependent on foreign owned businesses for our corporation tax, income tax and VAT take. The 5.6% increase in the National Minimum Wage is running at one and a half times the rate of inflation, and almost twice the rate of wage inflation. It will impact consumer prices in those services businesses where it is passed on. Close company rules penalising small business from retaining earnings should have been eliminated. The decision to maintain the deemed disposal rules on funds makes no sense.
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Message from the CEO
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The balance between spending increases and tax cuts means this is another pro-cyclical budget, despite the risks highlighted by many commentators. While the social protection increases will be welcomed by recipients, our social fund is in significant deficit. ISME made proposals that everyone should pay 2% of all earnings into the social fund, and higher paid workers should pay 6% PRSI on earnings above €424 per week.
In summary, we got some welcome small changes in Budget 2027, but nothing that looks like moving the dial on our over-dependence on multinationals. In other news, ISME Chair Finbarr Filan and former Chair Ross McCarthy welcomed the Board of SMEunited to Dublin as part of Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency. The 2nd to 4th November also sees the SME Assembly coming to Dublin, and event hosted by DG GROW in the EU Commission and the Department of Enterprise. It is a showcase event for SMEs, and it is a pity more local businesses are not invited to attend at least some of the events. Next month, it will be Christmas, and before then you will hear from us on our shop local campaign. I wish you a busy month of November.
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.
Q3 2026 Business Trends Survey With business costs continuing to rise we are yet again living in challenging times. We want to hear from you on how your business has been impacted and your thoughts on current issues. Please take 510 minutes to complete our Q3 Trends Survey 2026 here. All our surveys inform our lobbying on your behalf to Government so it is vital we capture as many experiences as possible. The Trends Survey provides us with the latest up to date information on pay, insurance costs and confidence indicators in the SME sector. 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 A computer with a website on the screen Description automatically generated
To support Members to deal with the ever-changing 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.
A valuable support for your employees ISME partners with Laya healthcare and their health & wellbeing provider, SpectrumLife to provide 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme (EAP) for ISME Members. We offer unlimited access for your employees and their families to a 365 freephone EAP service, accessible via website, app, or live chat. The cost for up to 30 employees is €950 + VAT and each subsequent employee €8 per employee. Find out more here.
ISME news
Upskill Your Team in AI and Recover Costs with Upskill SME Training Grant The newly launched Upskill SME Training Grant from Skillnet Ireland addresses a primary hurdle for small businesses by directly offsetting employee salary costs while staff undergo crucial upskilling. A common challenge for small business owners is the financial strain of taking staff away from their day-to-day operations for professional development. To solve this, this new pilot initiative allows eligible Republic of Ireland businesses to claim €204.30 per training day per employee to cover payroll costs during training. A Strategic Push for AI Adoption: For its initial roll-out window, the grant specifically targets the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. Business owners and their staff can utilise the funding across several approved Skillnet Ireland course pathways. Currently, the ISME Skillnet has two approved programmes eligible for a claim: • Claude AI Training - https://ismeskillnet.ie/events/claude-ai-training/ • AI for Tendering & Bid Management - https://ismeskillnet.ie/events/ai-fortendering-bid-management/ Please find more eligible programmes here: eligible programmes Key Details and Eligibility: The Benefit: While typical Skillnet networks already subsidise the direct costs of course fees, this grant acts as an additional layer of support by recovering employee salary costs. Company Requirements: The business must be registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO), have been in operation for at least 12 months, and employ between 2 and 250 staff members. The Timelines: To qualify, all training must be completed during the active funding window between 1st September and 31st December 2026
ISME news
How to Apply: Applications are handled via a straightforward three-step pipeline. Owners register their business, ensure employees complete an approved program, and submit a Training Completion Form along with their cost recovery application through the official portal. Because funding is allocated on a first-approved, first-funded basis during this initial pilot phase, early engagement is highly recommended before the scheme's allocation is exhausted. Small businesses can view comprehensive guidelines and begin their registration directly on the Skillnet Ireland Upskill SME Hub. Available Supports A dedicated support service is now available to assist member companies, Business Networks and National Initiatives with registration, eligibility checks, and general Scheme queries: Phone: 01 963 7790 Email: upskill@skillnetireland.ie
Nationwide toll increases fly in face of efforts to control cost of doing business ISME has called for the proposed nationwide increases in road tolls, announced at the end of last week and due to take effect from January 1st, 2027, to be suspended, warning that they represent another avoidable cost for small and medium-sized businesses, hauliers and workers across Ireland. Under the increases announced by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), tolls will rise across most of the national toll road network, affecting the M1, N6, M7/M8, M8, N18 and N25, as well as the M50 and Dublin Port Tunnel. Goods vehicles and HGVs will also face higher charges. ISME said that while individual increases may appear relatively modest, this fails to recognise their cumulative impact. Businesses operating several vehicles may incur tolls multiple times every working day, meaning relatively small increases are multiplied across vehicles, journeys and the entire year. Read full article 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 October • • • • •
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The key US Nonfarm payrolls rose by just 29,000 in September, well below the 84,000 forecast, with the unemployment rate increasing to 4.2% The Euro area annual inflation rate was 3.8% in September, up from 3.2% in August – a year earlier, the rate was 2.2%. The US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, although two out of the 12-member committee voted to increase rates The European Central Bank kept interest rates on hold as expected noting that it will follow a data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach to determining an appropriate monetary policy stance The EUR weakened significantly against the pound and the dollar reflecting US and UK economic resilience, increased market expectations for increases in US and UK interest rates going forward and concerns around French public finances US 10-year and 30-year yields hit multi-decade highs
What data and factors could impact the major currencies in November? • • • • • •
Tuesday November 3rd – US mid-term elections where all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election and 35 of 100 Senate seats will be contested Thursday November 5th – UK interest rate decision Friday November 6th - US Nonfarm Payrolls employment data Friday November 13th - Eurozone GDP Estimate for Q3 2026 Wednesday November 18th - Euro area inflation Wednesday November 18th - Minutes of October Federal Reserve meeting released
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
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HR Update
Adverse Weather: What Employers Need to Know Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy snow, storms, or extreme temperatures, can significantly disrupt the workplace. It’s essential for employers to have clear policies in place to address employee attendance and productivity during these situations while maintaining fairness and legal compliance. Employees should be aware of the reporting procedure during adverse weather. When and how employees make contact with their manager should be made clear well in advance. Employees should keep their manager informed about any changes in their situation and provide an estimated return time if weather or travel conditions improve during the day. Employees should be asked to explore all available transportation methods and leave extra time for their commute. However, employers must also consider the safety and practicality of these efforts. Alternative Working Arrangements Consider adjusting workings hours or if employees can work from home or another location, ensuring IT system are in place to support remote working. Ideally arrangements will be put in place in advance, where adverse weather conditions are forecast. In general, there is no statutory entitlement for an employee to be paid if they cannot attend work because of extreme weather. Any more beneficial arrangement is a matter for agreement between the employer and the employee. Employers are encouraged to take a long-term view of the working relationship, recognising that demonstrating concern for the welfare of employees and treating employees fairly translates into a better working environment to the benefit of both the staff and the employer. If the workplace remains open, but an employee cannot attend due to adverse weather, here are some options to offer: • Deduct the absence from annual leave. • Allow the time to be taken as unpaid leave. • Permit the employee to work back the missed hours. Any unauthorised absences should be addressed under the company’s disciplinary procedures. Although, considerations should include local conditions, travel challenges, and efforts made by the employee. Employers should avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and assess each case with empathy and flexibility. That said it’s important to have a policy in place and this offers employees clear guidance on what is expected during adverse weather conditions or emergency situations. It also promotes fairness and consistency across the company, minimising confusion and potential conflicts. Members can access the ISME template Policy here
Learning & Development
S.T.A.G.E.S Mentoring Programme
The ISME S.T.A.G.E.S Mentoring Programme is rapidly filling up, with just 12 places remaining following its highly successful launch in September. This mentoring programme is delivered by ISME Skillnet and will provide fully subsidised one-to-one mentoring. This programme is designed to help your business address real-world challenges and opportunities at each stage of your development, with expert-led sessions tailored to your specific goals. An SME engaged in this important programme can avail of two 6-hour mentoring engagements with an accredited expert mentor / business coach. The programme will run until the end of the year, so get in touch with us as soon as possible to secure your place. To secure your spot, we kindly ask that you take your time to complete the form below. The more information you provide on your strategic initiatives, the easier it is for us to align you with a suitable expert. Once you’ve submitted the form, we’ll review your responses and begin the process of pairing you with a mentor who aligns with your goals and industry needs. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to us at stages@isme.ie or learn more here
Complete the form here
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.
COURSE
DATE
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Introductory Certificate in Bookkeeping using Big Red Cloud
Launch dates dependent on your own timeline
Planning & Budgeting in Accounts
Launch dates dependent on your own timeline
HR Bite Sized Essential’s
Tuesday 29th September Tuesday 15th December
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AI for Tendering & Bid Management
Monday 9th November
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Learn to Love LinkedIn: Win Clients, Not Likes
Wednesday 11th November
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MS Excel: Dashboards And Data Visualisation
Wednesday 18th November
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