Working in Ireland — employment rights, payslips, contracts, workplace entitlements, and everything in between.
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Ireland has a strong labour market with robust employment rights. Whether you're starting your first Irish job or moving from another country with existing experience, understanding your rights and entitlements from day one will help you settle in quickly and avoid common pitfalls.
Before starting work, make sure you have your PPS number and have registered with Revenue's myAccount. Your employer needs your PPS number to set up payroll correctly and ensure you're taxed at the right rate. Without it, you'll be placed on emergency tax — a significantly higher deduction that you'll need to claim back later.
All employees in Ireland are entitled to a written statement of core employment terms within five days of starting work. Your full written contract must be provided within one month. Key things to check: job title, salary, working hours, annual leave entitlement, notice period, and whether the role is permanent or fixed-term.
Ireland has a national minimum wage, which is updated annually. As of 2024, it is €12.70 per hour for adults aged 20 and over. Certain sectors also have Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) that set higher minimum rates — hospitality and security are examples.
Full-time employees in Ireland are entitled to 20 days of paid annual leave per year (four working weeks). There are also 10 public holidays. Your entitlement may be calculated differently if you work part-time or irregular hours.
Since 2023, employees are entitled to statutory sick pay from their employer. The number of qualifying days increases each year. After exhausting sick pay, you may be entitled to Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection if you have enough PRSI contributions.
How to find work in Ireland — the best job boards, how to write a CV that works for the Irish market, and tips for interviews.
How to become self-employed in Ireland — registering with Revenue, income tax for the self-employed, and key things to set up before you start.
PRSI is a social insurance contribution deducted from your pay. Your contributions build up entitlement to benefits like Jobseeker's Benefit, Illness Benefit, and the State Pension.
Ireland has strong employment protections. Key rights include a national minimum wage, paid annual leave, and access to the Workplace Relations Commission if things go wrong.