The Irish National Minimum Wage was reduced with effect from 1st February 2011 from € 8.65 per hour to € 7.65 per hour for the experienced adult worker. Employers are implicitly warned to beware of contractual obligations for all employees who were on the old NMW.
The following is a full list of the minimum wage rates which come under the jurisdiction of the current National Minimum Wage Act:-
Experience Adult worker – €7.65 per hour
Under Age 18 - € 5.36 per hour
Over 18 – 1st employment – € 6.12 per hour
Over 18 – 2nd year of employment – € 6.89 per hour
Trainees over 18 attending a course during normal working hours
1st one-third period – € 5.74 per hour
2nd one-third period – € 6.12 per hour
3rd on third period – € 6.89 per hour
Note:- Each one-third period must be at least 1 month and no longer that 12 months.
The legislation does not apply to a person employed by a close relative (for example, a spouse, civil partner or parent) nor does it apply to those in statutory apprenticeships.
The new Irish Govt currently under negotiation have pledged to re-instate the old minimum wage – we will of course keep you posted in any updates. If you have any queries in relation to this article, the blogmeister would be delighted to hear from you.