Superquinn and Mandate, the union which represents retail and bar workers, yesterday concluded a deal that includes provision for the immediate introduction of the proposed national minimum wage of £4.40 an hour. Mandate's national official, Mr John Douglas, said the agreement gave the lie to employer bodies which had claimed the minimum wage was not affordable.
Superquinn's staff voted by a narrow majority to accept the deal, according to Mr Douglas. It also includes a provision for extended working hours, including Sundays, on a voluntary basis for existing staff.