Thousands of workers in Ireland will receive a pay increase following what has been described as a ‘historic’ agreement.
Over 70% of those working in the early learning and childcare sector, which is approximately 27,000 people, will be able to avail of the pay rise.
The increase comes as part of the first-ever minimum rates of pay for roles in the early learning and childcare sector.
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September 7 saw proposals for Employment Regulation Orders for the Early Years Service Sector accepted by Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English.
The new minimum hourly rates will come into play on September 15 of this year and are as follows:
- €13.00 for Early Years Educators/ School-Age Childcare practitioners
- €14.00 for Early Years Lead Educators / School-Age Childcare co-ordinators
- €15.50 Graduate Early Years Lead Educators / School-Age Childcare co-ordinators
- €15.70 for Deputy Managers
- €16.50 for Managers
- €17.25 for Graduate Managers.
Minister English said: “I am very pleased to approve these Employment Regulation Orders which will commence on September 15.
“The proposals submitted to me will apply to some 27,000 staff and are a welcome acknowledgement of the importance of the work carried out by everyone working in the early learning and childcare sector.”
The increase comes as a result of plans made in Budget 2022, as it is being supported by the Government’s €221m Core Funding Scheme, which will also be launched on September 15.
Minister Roderic O’Gorman, who announced the Core Funding Scheme, said: “I have always said that I believe early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners need their pay and conditions to reflect the importance of the work they do. Today’s announcement is a historic first step towards that.
“Low pay and conditions, as well as limited opportunities for progression, has made it difficult to attract and retain staff in the sector – and it is the staff who are key to the quality of children’s experiences.
“Through these first Employment Regulation Orders for the sector, I hope that early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners can now see a real future for themselves in a job that gives so much to children, their families and to society more broadly.”
The Employment Regulation Orders will pave the way for 50% of employees to see a 10% increase or more, and 20% of employees to see a 20% increase, according to figures from the Government.
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