CEO Update: Our latest political engagement, an upcoming major campaign and Workplace Wellbeing Day
The latest CEO Update newsletter to Ibec members from Danny McCoy
Dear member,
I updated you last week on the meeting of the Labour Economic and Employer Forum with An Taoiseach and senior members of cabinet. This Forum is the crucial mechanism through which to plan, control and communicate the reopening of the economy. I know that for the majority, reopening is the immediate priority and that there is great concern around how the de-escalation of business restrictions will be revealed. Rest assured we have communicated these concerns at the highest level of Government. We have a clear ask on the need for collaboration on how reopening is sequenced and the importance of advance communication in allowing for business planning along with safeguarding of employees, suppliers, customer and communities. The collective action demonstrated on the health agenda must now be matched on the economic agenda. Health experts have been central in supporting Government action and communications to flatten the curve but Government now needs to bring business and economic expertise to the fore too.
As you will be aware the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme introduced as a response to the crisis was updated by Minister Paschal Donohoe on Wednesday. We have welcomed the changes to the scheme in dealing with anomalies that had arisen and while not perfect, the temporary nature of the scheme means that Government focus can be on a roadmap for reopening.
As more positive signals emerge from the European Union around greater collaboration between members states we also saw the publication of a significant framework document published by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to facilitate negotiations with other smaller parties should be acknowledged. We will continue to monitor and intervene on these developments where required through continued engagement with the main parties and the across Leinster House with formal TD briefing calls.
The next phase of Ibec’s work plan will provide credible and substantial input into political developments, the next Programme for Government and a blueprint for the future business model. We have embarked on a major piece of work which will underpin a new Ibec campaign pivoting on the Reboot and Reimaging of Ireland which we will launch in early May. Your engagement and insight to shape this campaign is crucial and we initiated this process with a survey issued to all CEOs yesterday which I would encourage you to complete. Through our policy committees and trade associations substantial engagement on our campaign recommendations will also take place. I will keep you updated on launch plans which are expected to take place in early May.
Finally, flagging our National Workplace Wellbeing Day on 1 May as an initiative for all of you to get behind and showcase positive action on employee wellbeing and resilience. Further information at our dedicated website. The Ibec podcast also features wellbeing with Jennifer Petriglieri, Insead professor of Organisational Behaviour who talks about her survival series on couples working from home in the crisis.
Best wishes,
Danny McCoy
CEO
