Bruton hits out at the ‘workshy fakers’

November 1985

‘LIE IN BED’ employees who fake illness to avoid work were lashed last week by the Minister for Industry, trade, Commerce and Tourism, John Bruton.

And the minister made it clear that industry in this country would continue to suffer severe losses if those capable of turning into work remained on sick certs.

Mr Bruton was speaking at the opening of the second annual ‘Made in Bray’ exhibition in which local industrialists came together under one roof at St Thomas’ College in an effort to boost the industrial life of Bray.

The minister said that despite the massive financial input into health services, the number of people producing sick certs alleging illness had doubled since 1960.

‘I believe that people have become careless about their responsibilities towards work and industry is losing out as a result,’ he said.

Mr Bruton also claimed that ish firms were not doing enough research into the needs of today’s consumer, and also into new trends and purchasing patterns, basic product innovation and new product development.

President of the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce Ronan King called on the minister to assist in providing a favourable tax environment to turn the local Ardmore Film Studios into a high powered industry.