A Republic of Ireland newsagent has hit out at upcoming legislation to ban zero-hours contracts saying it will significantly impact his overheads. 

Martin Mulligan, of Mulligan’s Londis, in Athlone, said: “It’s a case of the government not listening to small businesses again. Cutting zero-hour contracts can affect our overheads.”

Mr Mulligan added he would have to pay a staff member for their minimum hours, even if they called in sick. “It will cost me more money,” he said.

The legislation was announced in December by the Department of Employment and Social Protection and prohibits zero-hours contracts “in most circumstances”.