In Ireland, it's important to adhere to employment laws surrounding working hours and overtime regulations to remain compliant and boost employee satisfaction. Learn more about standard working hours, overtime regulations, and employer responsibilities in Ireland.
Capital City
Dublin
Currency
Euro
(
€
)
Timezone
WET
(
GMT -1
)
Payroll
Monthly
Employment Cost
11.05%
In Ireland, the standard full-time workweek is typically 39 hours, usually spread across five days, Monday to Friday. Employees generally work from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute to 1-hour lunch break.
Under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, the maximum average working week is 48 hours, calculated over a four-month period.
Certain industries have specific regulations:
Managers or employees with significant decision-making authority may be exempt from standard working hour regulations. Their contracts should clearly outline their working hours and any applicable exceptions.
A full-time workweek in Ireland is legally defined as 39 hours. This standard applies across most industries and roles, ensuring consistency and fairness in employment practices.
Overtime regulations in Ireland are designed to balance operational needs with employee well-being.
Overtime refers to any hours worked beyond the standard 39-hour workweek. While not legally mandated, many employers compensate overtime hours, especially if specified in contracts or collective agreements.
Employees cannot exceed an average of 48 working hours per week over a four-month period, including overtime.
There's no statutory requirement for overtime pay rates. However, many employers offer:
These rates can vary based on industry, contract terms, and collective agreements.
Employees are entitled to:
Breaks:
Employers are responsible for ensuring these entitlements are met.
Night Work: Defined as work between midnight and 7:00 AM. Night workers should not work more than an average of 8 hours in a 24-hour period, averaged over a two-month period.
Weekend Work: While not prohibited, employees should receive adequate rest periods. Employers should ensure that weekend work complies with daily and weekly rest requirements.
Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:
Disclaimer
THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.
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FAQS
The standard workweek is 39 hours, typically spread over five days.
Employees cannot exceed an average of 48 working hours per week over a four-month period, including overtime.
There's no statutory requirement for overtime pay. However, many employers offer time and a half or double time, especially for work on Sundays or public holidays.
Employers found in breach of working hour regulations may face penalties, including fines or legal action. It's essential for employers to comply with all relevant laws to avoid such consequences.
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