Ireland’s Minimum Wage Set to Increase From 2018

As of January 2018, the minimum wage in Ireland is set to increase by 30 cents, taking it to €9.55, it has been confirmed.

At present, the current rate is set at €9.25, which will equate to a further €12 for full-time workers per week, once the raise comes into force, following Ireland’s Low Pay Commission recommendation.

Táoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, TD, and Minister Finian McGrath were all present to announce the change on the steps of the Dáil.

Speaking about the new increase in minimum wage, Varadkar said: “This would be a modest increase, but it’s ahead of the rate of inflation and average increases in earnings.”

The move to improve Ireland’s minimum wage next year will make it the fourth increase in seven years, since 2011. It will be the second under this Government, which points to another progressive step towards the Programme for Government commitment for a minimum wage to meet €10.50, Varadkar added.

There has been support from Ged Nash, the Labour spokesperson on Worker’s Rights Senator, who has hailed the rise.

He said: “While modest, the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to increase the rate by 30 cents an hour to €9.55 is a welcome step.”

This move means that wages will now be slightly ahead of average pay rise forecasts for this year, which are expected to be just under 3 per cent.

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