The cost of living crisis is front and centre this morning with news that the European Central Bank is expected to increase interest rates later today for the first time in 11 years. Markets are expecting an increase of at least 0.25%, but reports suggest the ECB may go further and opt for a 0.5% rise.

Meanwhile the cost of used cars is now 63.7% higher than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Across the water UK inflation has risen to 9.4%, the highest rate since 1982, as the TUC warns that the rocketing cost of living will hammer the pay of front line workers.

Elsewhere, Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions increased by almost 5% last year, according to provisional figures published by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Some positive news, yesterday President Higgins signed the Sick Leave Bill 2022 and Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Bill 2022 and they have accordingly become law. Ictu has welcomed them both, saying that the new workers’ right to sick pay is a positive legacy of pandemic, and the new tips law will put money into the pockets of hospitality workers.

There were 263 assaults on healthcare workers in June, with the majority against nurses, according to figures provided to Sinn Féin in response to a parliamentary question.

Dunnes Stores workers have lodged what is being described as a life-changing pay claim. The claim seeks to address a number of concerns including significant pay increases, additional annual leave days, changes to the sick-pay scheme and fully paid maternity and paternity leave.

And finally, three Irish sites are closer to receiving UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Zen

The Beatles provide some much needed zen. Work began on ‘Come Together’ 53 years ago this week, which is pretty apt, all things considered.

Have a good day folks.