MANAGEMENT at the three industrial support agencies - IDA Ireland, Forbairt and Forfas - have managed to head off threats of an embarrassing picket of their Wilton House HQ. Middle ranking executives in the organisation had been threatening to take out the placards for a one day stoppage this week over a long standing row on pay levels and how they relate to higher grades.

However, the risk of incoming US investors having to pass the picket was averted in negotiations and a settlement may now be in sight.