There has been an update to the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) increasing the rates of pay for the categories of workers within it by 2.7%. The updated Order fixes the statutory minimum pay, pension and sick pay entitlements etc. for craftsmen, construction operatives and apprentices employed in the construction sector.

The revised terms and conditions for the construction sector came into effect from 1st October 2020.

The ruling by the High Court last June declared that all sectoral employment orders (i.e. construction, mechanical and electrical) were invalid. However, on July 31st the High Court granted a stay on the construction and mechanical sectoral employment orders pending the outcome of the appeal by the State to the Court of Appeal.

The CIF has told members that the granting of the stay by the High Court means that construction workers have a legal entitlement to an increase in pay and pensions of 2.7 % on October 1st 2020.

Please note the below-increased rates of pay:

Skilled General Operatives who have worked in the sector for more than 2 years.

Scaffolders who hold an Advanced Scaffolding Card and who have four years’ experience; Banks operatives, Steel Fixers; Crane Drivers and Heavy Machine Operators.

Bricklayers/Stone Layers; Carpenters and Joiners; Floor Layers; Glaziers; Painters; Plasterers; Stone Cutters; Wood Machinists; Slaters and Tilers.

Apprentices in 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

General Operatives who enter employment for the first time after attaining the age of 18 years and for two years after entering employment in the industry. In addition to the above rates of the pay, the SEO also includes instructions concerning sick pay, pensions, and unsocial hours payments.

For further details on these changes, one of our dedicated HR Advisors can assist you further and answer any queries you may have. The HR Company can support your business with changes and updates on Irish Employment Law. Learn more about our services here. Book your free consultation by filling the form below: