Pay deal clinches extra cash for half a million workers

HALF a million workers will see their weekly wage rise by €30 over the next 18 months following agreement between employers and unions in the latest national pay deal.

The 5.5% increase, to be awarded in three separate chunks of 1.5%, 1.5% and 2.5%, at six-monthly intervals, will increase the average pre-tax industrial wage from €538 per week to €568 worth just over €1,400 over 18 months.

Minimum wage and low- paid workers earning €9 or less per hour are to get a slightly higher award of 6% over 18 months, beginning with a 2% increase over the first six months. That will result in a phased increase in the pay of a worker on the maximum of €351 per week to €372.