A new statutory instrument (SI) has been signed giving legal effect to a recommendation from the Labour Court for new minimum pay rates to workers in the construction sector. 

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English signed the SI this morning after it was approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 16 November.

The order sets minimum rates of pay, pension and sick pay entitlements for workers in the construction sector following a review by the Labour Court. 

“It is an important step in ensuring the sector remains competitive, productive, and sustainable and will help support the delivery of the government’s multi-billion capital investment in the National Development Plan, of high quality and affordable homes under the Housing for All strategy, and the investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and delivering a retrofitting programme under the Climate Action Plan,” the minister said.

The Labour Court recommendation follows an application by BATU, Connect, OPATSI, SIPTU and UNITE to review terms and conditions in the sector.

The application was made in accordance with Section 14 of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015.

Pay rates

The following basic hourly rates of pay will apply in the sector from 1 February, 2022 to 31 January, 2023.

An hourly rate of pay of €14.93 will apply for two years after entrance to the sector to all new entrant operative workers who are over 18.

The following basic hourly rates of pay will apply in the sector from 1 February, 2023.