Minimum wage increase for two work sectors
The wage increased for those in the security sector in July, with an increase seen for construction workers from the start of the month.
The increase in construction was by 3.4%. Good news for workers in the construction and security industry after new minimum wage rates were set. Pic: Getty Images
Now, those 18 and over are entitled to €15.41 per hour in the security division. This increase from €14.50 came into effect from July 22, 2025.
For construction, the change came into effect from August 1, with improved pension contributions and sick pay benefits also due to the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2024.
Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) can set the pay, pension or sick pay scheme for workers in a particular sector with the law on SEOS set out in the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015. For construction, the change came into effect from August 1, with improved pension contributions and sick pay benefits also due to the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2024. Pic: Getty Images
From August 1, the minimum rate of pay increased by 3,4% with pension and sick pay also amended under the order. Further changes are set to come into effect from August 1, 2026.
An SEO is started as a request to the Labour Court to review issues like pay, pension or sick pay. The court then makes a recommendation to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment who then sign the SEO making it legally binding across the sector.
Meanwhile the changes in the security came following a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the sector.
EROs set the minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment for workers in the security sector as well as the cleaning sector and early learning and childcare.
Employers cannot give wages less than that outlined by the ERO, with any breaches of an ERO to be reported to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Citizens Information also states that if you are covered by an employment agreement or order, the details may be included in your contract of employment.
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