Construction Sector - Increase on the Pay Rate
2026 Update
There has been an update to the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) increasing the rates of pay for the categories of workers. The proposed updated Order sets the statutory minimum pay, pension entitlements, sick pay entitlements, and other core terms for craftsmen, construction operatives, and apprentices employed in the construction sector.
The revised terms and conditions for the construction sector are expected to come into effect from 1st August 2026.
In June 2025, the High Court reaffirmed the legality of Sectoral Employment Orders following a comprehensive review.
The Updated Rates of Pay Effective from 1st August 2026:
Category B Worker: €21.37 per hour
Skilled General Operatives who have worked in the sector for more than 2 years.
Category A Worker: €23.03 per hour
Scaffolders (Advanced Card + 4 years’ experience); Banks operatives; Steel Fixers; Crane Drivers; Heavy Machine Operators.
Craftsperson: €23.74 per hour
Bricklayers/Stone Layers; Carpenters and Joiners; Floor Layers; Glaziers; Painters; Plasterers; Stone Cutters; Wood Machinists; Slaters and Tilers.
Apprentice Rates
For the following trades: Bricklayers/Stone Layers; Carpenters and Joiners; Floor Layers; Glaziers; Painters; Plasterers; Stone Cutters; Wood Machinists; Slaters and Tilers.
- Year 1: 33.3% of Craft Rate
- Year 2: 50% of Craft Rate
- Year 3: 75% of Craft Rate
- Year 4: 90% of Craft Rate
Entrant Worker: €17.28 per hour
General Operatives who enter employment for the first time after attaining the age of 18 and for two years after entering employment in the industry. In addition to the above pay rates, the SEO outlines provisions regarding sick pay, pensions, and unsocial hours payments.
Pension Contribution Rates from 1st August 2026
- Employer daily rate – €6.58 (weekly – €32.89)
- Employee daily rate – €4.39 (weekly €21.95)
- Total daily pension contribution per worker – €10.97 (weekly €54.84)
Death in Service Contribution Rates (Unchanged from August 2025
- Employer daily rate – €0.23 (weekly – €1.14)
- Employee daily rate – €0.23 (weekly €1.14)
- Total death in service contribution – €0.46 (weekly €2.28)
Sick Pay Contribution Rates (Unchanged from August 2025)
- Employer rate – €2.37 per week
- Employee rate – €0.63 per week
- Total weekly contribution – €3.00
________________________________________
If you have any questions regarding these changes, one of our dedicated HR Advisors would be happy to assist you. The HR Company supports businesses with updates to Irish Employment Law, including SEO compliance.
Rated 4.4 / 5 based on 
Google Reviews
Published on: July 30, 2026
Built on Real HR Experience
The HR Company was founded in 2000 by Philip Carney, former Head of Human Resources at Microsoft’s European Operations Centre (now EMEA), and Angela O’Grady, former Staffing and Recruiting Manager at Microsoft. That background still shapes how we help a wide range of Irish employers today.
We are 100% Irish-owned, and our focus is Irish employment law and the businesses that operate under it. Over the years, we have supported more than 1,200 businesses across Ireland, ranging from small teams to large employers. Our work is backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification, so your HR support and your data are handled to a recognised standard. That mix of real HR background, Irish ownership, and certified process is what employers find confidence in, letting them carry on with their work while we handle their HR solutions.
Save Time With Our Prompt Reponses
Protect Yourself From Liabilities
Create A Fair And Equal Environment
Focus On Your Company’s Growth
Why Should You Choose Us?
94%
Engagement
25K+
Annual queries
25+
Years of Expertise
1200+
Businesses Supported