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Half of workers are set for pay rise as confidence grows

Nearly half of workers can expect a pay rise this year as more and more employers plan to hike wages. That’s according to Bank of Ireland’s monthly Economic Pulse survey, which found firms in all sectors have lifted their expectations for business activity in January. The January data shows that 44pc of businesses are planning […]

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Knocking, emailing and suiting up: job interview tips around the world

Top tips for doing well at job interviews around the world have been published, ranging from knocking three times in Japan, not winking in Hong Kong and wearing a high-quality suit in Italy. Following up an interview with an email to thank managers for their time is suggested for the UK. Jobs site Glassdoor said […]

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Gardaí get software to speed up fight on fraud

Gardaí have installed new IT software to help them deal more speedily with thousands of reports of suspicious financial transactions. The move is one of a series of measures taken in response to a review carried out by an international body of Ireland’s money laundering and counter-terrorist financing systems. It is already being hailed as […]

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Irish banks set to tackle sour loans through securitisation

There is likely to be a “rebound” in the sale of non-performing loan (NPL) portfolios this year as Irish lenders continue to be put under pressure to resolve bad debts, according to ratings agency DBRS. It has also predicted that Irish banks are likely to increasingly turn to securitising under-performing loans themselves, given the current […]

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The Celtic Phoenix: jobs and growth on fast track

THE ‘Celtic Phoenix’ economy is growing more strongly than expected – with wages rising and full employment on the horizon. The Central Bank says the pace of the recovery has “exceeded expectations” as it predicted an extra 89,000 people will be in work by the end of next year. This would bring the total number […]

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Windows tool shows how much of your personal data Microsoft collects

Windows users can now see exactly how much of their personal data is being collected by Microsoft. As well as basic records, such as the device you use, the company gathers more detailed information, such as the apps you have installed and how and when you use them. The company says it uses this data […]

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Accountants back scheme to auto-enrol for pension

The vast majority of accountants are in favour of the auto-enrolment pension scheme the Government is planning to launch. Most private sector workers do not have an occupational pension. A survey by Chartered Accountants Ireland members found 96pc in favour of auto-enrolment. President of Chartered Accountants Ireland Shauna Greely said the picture emerging is grim. […]

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Cerberus in €100m deal for stricken sub-prime mortgage lender Stepstone

Cerberus, the US distressed debt and private equity giant, has swooped on the stricken sub-prime lender Stepstone Mortgages in a near-€100m deal, according to sources. Dublin-based Stepstone, once a joint venture between the collapsed Wall Street Bank, Lehman Brothers, and IIB – an earlier manifestation of KBC bank – stopped issuing new loans in 2008 […]

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Ireland needs to tackle taxes to lure leasing executives – AerCap CEO

Ireland needs to do more to attract experienced executives if it’s to maintain its position as a global leader in the aircraft-leasing sector, AerCap chief executive Aengus Kelly has warned. Speaking at the Euromoney Global Airfinance convention in Dublin yesterday, Mr Kelly said that personal tax rates continue to be an inhibitor to attracting talent. […]

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Tens of thousands affected by pensions anomaly to be restored to higher rate from March – but won’t get money until next year

Thousands of pensioners who are missing out on up to €35 a week because of an anomaly in the system are to be restored to a higher rate from March – but they won’t get the money until 2019. Ministers today approved a plan to appease older people who feel cheated by changes made to […]

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