Wexford Retailers Join Call For PRSI Cut To Protect Jobs

Wexford retailers are joining a national campaign calling on Government to cut employers’ PRSI in next month’s Budget, with the aim of protecting jobs and supporting businesses.

Alan was joined in studio by Patrick Doyle of Halo Tiles and Bathrooms, who took part in the campaign in Wexford last week, while Retail Excellence Ireland CEO Jean McCabe joined the conversation by phone.

Retail Excellence Ireland is calling for employers’ PRSI to be reduced, along with zero employer PRSI for workers under the age of 25.

The organisation says rising business costs are putting pressure on the retail sector, with 10,800 fewer retail jobs compared with the same period last year.

It also says around 400,000 retail working hours have been cut each week over the past year, while 59% of its members report having reduced jobs or hours because of rising costs.

Under the proposals, Retail Excellence Ireland wants the employers’ PRSI rate reduced to 8% on the first €36,000 of wages, with a further reduction to 5% by 2029.

It is also calling for zero employer PRSI for workers under 25, which it says could make employing a young worker around €1,270 cheaper each year.

The campaign comes as employers’ PRSI is due to increase from October 1st.

PwC's latest figures show retail recorded the highest number of insolvencies of any sector in the first half of 2026, with retail insolvencies up 35% compared with the same period last year.

Retail Excellence Ireland is urging TDs across the country to support its proposals and is calling on Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris to include measures to reduce the cost of employment in Budget 2027.