The minimum wage in Ireland is set to increase early next year.
Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty TD announced that the minimum wage in Ireland will increase to €10.10 from February 1, 2020.
According to Minister Doherty, the decision was made due to a strong growth in earnings in the economy over the last year.
The new rate, which was set based on a recommendation from the independent Low Pay Commission, represents an increase of 30 cent on the current rate of €9.80 per hour.
Minister Doherty said: "I am pleased to announce that the increase in the minimum wage to €10.10 will now come into effect in February.
"The minimum wage is one of a number of important measures designed to support working families, especially those on lower incomes, and shows the Government’s commitment to supporting low paid workers.
"With this most recent increase in the National Minimum Wage, an employee on minimum wage who works a full 39-hour week will now receive an additional €11.70 per week, or an extra €608.40 gross per year.
"In fact, since 2016, a minimum wage employee working a 39-hour week has received a gross pay increase of €2,331.
"Since 2015, we have increased the minimum wage by 13.2 per cent - ahead of the rate of inflation – thereby ensuring real increases in the earnings of the lower paid.
"All types of work should pay well and it is my determination that a job should really lift people out of poverty. The ongoing increases in the minimum wage help to ensure that happens."
