Construction Sector

The Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2023 came into effect on 18 September 2023. This sets the statutory minimum rates of pay and other conditions (sick pay and pension entitlements) for persons employed in the construction sector. Statutory Instrument No 207/2023 amends Statutory Instrument Number 598 of 2021 and both statutory instruments should be read together.

Who is covered by the SEO

There are 2 criteria which decide who is covered:

1. The employer must operate in the construction sector, and
2. It applies to employees who work in the sector and defines their roles into specific classes; apprentices, new entrant operatives, construction operative or craft person.

The SEO defines what activities place an employer within the construction sector and what experience and qualifications place a worker in a particular employee class.

How workers are classified

Description

Workers who are registered as apprentices in accordance with the Industrial Training Act, 1967

New entrant operatives

Over the age of 18 and entering the sector for the first time, they remain in this class for two years after starting employment

Category B Worker

Skilled General Operatives-have worked in the sector for more than 2 years are classed as a Category B Worker

Category A Workers

Skilled General Operatives who have worked in the sector for 4 years and hold an Advanced Scaffolding Card, Banks operatives, Steel Fixers; Crane Drivers and Heavy Machine Operators are Category A Workers

Craftspersons

Craftspersons are qualified trade persons, such as: Bricklayers/Stone Layers; Carpenters and Joiners; Floor Layers; Glaziers; Painters; Plasterers; Stone Cutters; Wood Machinists; Slaters and Tilers

Construction workers pay

For previous rates of pay please refer to the relevant SI's linked at the foot of this page.

Basic hourly rates of pay - From 05th August 2024

class of worker

Bricklayers/Stone Layers; Carpenters and Joiners; Floor Layers; Glaziers; Painters; Plasterers; Stone Cutters; Wood Machinists; Slaters and Tilers.

Category A Worker

Scaffolders who hold an Advanced Scaffolding Card and who have four years’ experience; Banks operatives, Steel Fixers; Crane Drivers and Heavy Machine Operators.

Category B Worker

Skilled General Operatives who have worked in the sector for more than 2 years.

New Entrant Operative Workers

To apply for 2 years to new entrant operative workers over the age of 18 years and entering the sector for the first time.

The SEO sets the minimum hourly rates for workers, but this does not prevent an employer paying a higher rate of pay than defined in the SEO.