A workers' union says any changes to isolation rules for Covid close contacts must be led by public health advice and not the demands of business.
The Cabinet's expected to consider new advice from experts on easing the restrictions when it meets tomorrow.
It comes as many businesses and essential services struggle due to Covid related staff absences.
Dr Laura Bambrick from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions says the health and safety of workers must be the priority.
"Any relaxation of isolation periods for workers who are close contacts must be guided first and foremost by public health advice.
"Otherwise, what we will have happening is we will alleviate the short term staffing issues, but we will do nothing to reduce the infection rates.
"Decisions have to be evidenced based, they have to be guided by public health advice."
