The Government has accepted the Labour Court’s recommendation for a new minimum pay and pension contribution rate for workers in the construction sector, which will commence on the 18th of September 2023. Further rises will come into effect from the 5th of August 2024.
This will see an increase in the hourly rate of craftspeople from €20.52 to €21.49. Workers in Category A, including those with an advanced Scaffolding Card and who have four years’ experience such as steel fixers, crane drivers and heavy machine operators will receive €20.86 per hour. Workers in Category B, skilled general operatives with more than two years’ experience, will receive €19.35 per hour.
Apprentices will also benefit from the SEO, with an increase in their minimum pay, including time that they spend in education.
Practical Advice:
- Employers in the construction sector are now legally obliged to implement the recommendations of the SEOs for all their specified workers.
- If you are an employee working in the construction sector who is covered by an SEO, your employer should ensure that you are registered in a SEO pension scheme so you can start saving for your retirement and be covered for death in service and sick pay benefits.
- Responsibility lies with the employer with regards to all aspects of the SEO, including the registration for Construction Workers Pension Scheme which includes pension contributions, death in service benefit and sick pay.
