Irish Life has severely criticised a committee negotiating with the company on behalf of its sales force for rejecting Labour Court recommendations to end a long running dispute.

The head of Irish Life's field force, Mr Willie Holmes, said yesterday it "defied logic" that the negotiating committee could frustrate efforts to improve customer service for so long.

"The decision ignores the fact that the livelihood and the future of their members depends on the business they receive from their customers," said to Mr Holmes.

The company has told the union representing Irish Life's 400 sales staff that it intends to implement the recommendations, which include changes in sales structures from February 3rd. Staff are to vote on the recommendations on Wednesday.