From 1 January 2019, there will be an increase in the National Minimum Wage hourly rate of an experienced worker of 25 cent from €9.55 to €9.80. There was also an increase in the board and lodging rates in line with the National Minimum Wage increase. The hourly increase was made on foot of a recommendation in the Low Pay Commission's Fourth Report. The increase applies to all employees, including full time, part time, temporary and casual employees, except a limited number of categories to include employees who are close relatives of the employer or employees undergoing ongoing training such as an apprenticeship.
The 2019 increase is in line with increases in the National Minimum Wage in recent years from €9.15 in 2016 to €9.25 in 2017 with a further increase to €9.55 in 2018. With the issue of the living wage and employee stability high on the Government's agenda such increases are likely to continue in circumstances where Ireland is almost at full employment with inflation continuing to grow.
