Au pairs are being ‘severely exploited’

Thousands of au pairs working in households nationwide are being severely exploited, working long hours in sometimes hostile conditions for less than the minimum wage, according to research which shows the extent of the problem.

Carried out by the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MCRI), the study shows some au pairs are working more than 70 hours a week for less than €120 and do not get proper breaks or extra pay for working bank holidays.

Traditionally, au pairs were foreign students living with a family as part of a cultural exchange to learn a language. They were expected to help with childcare for a stipend of €100 a week.