Employers exploiting apprentices as cheap labour, claims Leitrim councillor

Some local employers are exploiting apprentices as cheap labour, according to a Leitrim councillor.

Sinn Féin's Brendan Barry says the issue is forcing many people to abandon their chosen career.

He says it's because of sub-minimum-wage pay and long delays in accessing college-based training.

Councillor Barry says the whole system needs to be overhauled - as there's a dire shortage of tradesmen to help address the housing crisis.