ARTICLE · 09 JANUARY 2026

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What's Another Year 2026 - Employment And Pensions

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The National Minimum Wage Order 2025 took effect from 1 January 2026, increasing the national minimum hourly rate to €14.15.

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Employment

Upcoming minimum wage increase

The National Minimum Wage Order 2025 took effect from 1 January 2026, increasing the national minimum hourly rate to €14.15.

For more information, see here: National Minimum Wage Order 2025.

Increased minimum salary thresholds for work permits

The Government has announced new increased minimum salary thresholds which will occur in phases, with the first increase to apply from 1 March 2026, raising general employment permits to €36,605 (from €34,000) and critical skills permits to €40,904 (from €38,000), while meats processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers rise to €32,691 (from €30,000). These adjustments are part of a gradual roadmap to balance worker rights and business needs, with further increases planned until 2030, and applying to both new and renewal applications.

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This article contains a general summary of developments and is not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be obtained where appropriate.

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