merrion street

Interested bodies or individuals have until close of business tomorrow (Friday 11th March 2016) to make submissions relating to the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage.
The Low Pay Commission, an independent body whose main function is to advise the Government on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage, is seeking such submissions and also submissions relating to the preponderance of women on the national minimum wage. Two thirds of all of those who earn the minimum wage are women.

The Low Pay Commission made its first recommendation on the minimum wage in July last year. The Government accepted the recommendation of an increase of 50 cent per hour to €9.15 and it was introduced on the 1st of January this year.

This was the first increase in the minimum wage since 2011. As part of its considerations of the appropriate rate of the minimum wage, the Low Pay Commission is keen to hear from as wide a range of interested groups as possible. Employers, employees, or other interested parties can make their views known on the recent increase as well as their overall views on the minimum wage. The Commission is particularly interested in learning about the impacts the increase has had on employment, on business or on working hours and conditions.

The Commission has also been tasked this year with investigating the preponderance of women on the minimum wage and is calling for submissions as to what factors may be influencing the fact that two thirds of those on the minimum wage are women. The closing date for submissions is also tomorrow (Friday 11th March).

As part of its work, the Commission intends to meet directly with groups and individuals and those making written submissions may indicate if they would like the opportunity to meet members.

Submissions can be made to secretarylpc@djei.ie

Further information can be found here.