National Minimum Wage Increased To €8.65

Minister for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher has announced that the National Minimum Wage will increase to €8.65 with effect from 1 July 2007.

The Minister said that this increase to the National Minimum Wage is the second this year. The first increase to the national minimum wage rate took effect on 1st January last. Overall it is the sixth increase to the national minimum wage since it was first introduced in April, 2000.

The Minister said: “As and from 1 July, the National Minimum Wage is increased from €8.30 to €8.65 per hour. The sub-minimum rates which may be paid to persons under the age of 18 or to first time job entrants or to those engaged in structured training or study also increase from that date."

The Minister added: “This increase will clearly benefit low paid workers in society, in particular part-time and younger workers."

Anybody seeking information on the increase in the national minimum wage in the Republic of Ireland can telephone the Employment Rights Information Unit at (01) 631 3131 or 1890 201 615 lo-call if outside the 01 area or visit the website at www.entemp.ie.

(JM)