National Minimum Wage Act, 2000 (Ireland)

National Minimum Wage Act 2000

The National Minimum Wage Act 2000 provides for the national minimum wage.

Generally, the amount of pay employees get for working is agreed between the employee and the employer. Pay negotiations normally happen when the former get a job offer.

However, most employees are entitled to a minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

Since 1 January 2022, the national minimum wage is €10.50 per hour. Some people get sub-minimum rates, such as people aged under 20 (see the ‘Rates’ section below).

The national minimum wage does not stop an employer from offering a higher wage. Employees cannot agree to be paid less than the minimum wage or to do unpaid work , unless they are employed by a close family relative or are on a recognized apprenticeship.

Upcoming changes to the minimum wage
The minimum wage will increase from 1 January 2023. The national minimum wage for people aged 20 and over will increase by 80c to €11.30.