Bruton to push ahead with elimination of special rates for Sunday work

SPECIAL rates for Sunday work will not apply to new employees in the retail, hospitality and other sectors under proposals brought to Cabinet this week, Minister for Employment Richard Bruton has confirmed.

He accepted the recruitment of cheaper workers could lead to some displacement of existing staff who will be protected under the current rules and continue to be entitled to special premium rates. The minister said he intends to push ahead with reform of the wage agreements known as Joint Labour Committees (JLCs), which protect more than 2,000 workers in specified areas in retail, hospitality, catering and security.

Mr Bruton said he would listen to his Labour Party colleagues in government on their “divergent views” on the issue, but insisted “jobs come first”.