There have been increasing calls for a pay rise for migrant care workers in Ireland, as many are currently earning less than the national minimum wage. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has acknowledged that healthcare assistants, home carers, and care workers on contracts set at €27,000 per year are effectively earning below the new minimum wage of €13.50 per hour, which came into effect on 1 January 2025.
Unite, a trade union, has highlighted that the annual salary of €27,000, set by the Department in 2021, equates to an hourly rate of €13.31 for a 39-hour work week. This is now less than the national minimum wage, leading to calls for employers to increase the pay of these workers to comply with the new wage standards.
In response, the Department has announced that from 17 January 2025, the minimum annual remuneration for healthcare assistants, home carers, and care workers will be increased to €30,000, with a corresponding hourly rate of €14.79. This adjustment aims to ensure that all workers in these roles are paid fairly and in line with the national minimum wage.
However, this increase will only apply to new contracts and renewals, meaning that many migrant care workers on existing contracts will not benefit from the new minimum annual remuneration. Unite has criticised this decision, arguing that it leaves a significant number of workers still earning below the minimum wage.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that future increases in minimum annual remuneration are implemented sustainably for both employers and permit holders. Ongoing engagement with the Department of Health, Department of Justice, and representatives of long-term care employers and workers will continue throughout 2025 to address these issues.
The issue of low pay among migrant care workers is part of a broader problem affecting many sectors in Ireland. A report by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) found that almost half of migrant workers in low-pay sectors earn less than the minimum wage. The report also revealed that many migrant workers face additional challenges such as unpaid wages, working without contracts, and discrimination.
The MRCI has called for stronger penalties for employers who exploit their staff and for the introduction of a living wage of €11.50 per hour. The organisation also advocates for a regularisation scheme for undocumented workers and programmes to combat discrimination in recruitment and the labour market.
The plight of migrant care workers has drawn attention to the need for better working conditions and fair pay across all sectors. As the cost of living continues to rise, it is crucial that all workers, regardless of their background, are paid a fair wage that reflects their contribution to society.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments to ensure that all workers are treated fairly.
