Effective 1 January 2026: the following minimum wage rates will apply:

 

• Aged 20 and over  =  €14.15
   
• Aged 19  =  €12.74
   
• Aged 18  =  €11.32
   
• Under 18  =  €9.91

Minimum wage applies to full-time, part-time, temporary, casual employees and seasonal workers.

Auto-Enrolment Pension Changes (New for 2026)

from 1 January 2026, eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the MyFuture Fund if not already in an occupational pension scheme, with both employer and employee contributions starting at 1.5% (increasing annually).

Sunday Pay

If not already included in the rate of pay, employees are generally entitled to a premium payment for Sunday working, or paid time off in lieu. 

Statutory Sick Pay Note

Statutory sick pay entitlement remains at 5 days per calendar year in 2026 (not expanding as previously expected).

Compliance

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) holds responsibility for securing compliance with the minimum wage. 

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