National Minimum Wage (NMW) Advice Guide
Following on from a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission, the rate for an experienced adult worker increases to €10.10 per hour from February 1st, 2020. An experienced adult worker is a worker who is not:
- Under the age of 18.
- In the first two years of employment over the age of 18.
- A trainee undergoing a course that satisfies certain statutory requirements.
An employee who is under 18 years of age is entitled to an hourly rate of at least 70% of the NMW.
Job entrants entering employment for the first time after reaching the age of 18, or, if in employment, on reaching that age must be paid at least 80% of the NMW in the first year and 90% of the NMW in the second year.
Employers should be aware that different criteria and rates apply to those employees who are undergoing a course of study or training that meets specified statutory requirements. Included are apprenticeships, and those employers governed by wage agreements such as Employment Regulation Orders (EROs), Registered Employment Agreements (REAs), or Sectoral Employment Orders (SEOs).
