The minimum wage will rise more than 6 per cent to €6.35 from the start of October. The rise, from €5.97 per hour, is the second increase to be implemented under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF).
The Tánaiste, Ms Harney announced the move yesterday and said inspectors from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment would be visiting workplaces to ensure compliance with the increased rate. She was confident, however, that the majority of employers would continue to fulfil their obligations under the minimum wage legislation.
"Inspections which have been carried out by the labour inspectors up to now have shown a high level of compliance with the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act," she said.
Ms Harney, who is also Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said a publicity campaign would be conducted by her Department from the beginning of next month to raise awareness of the increase.
The sub-minimum rates which may be paid to certain categories of employee, including those aged under 18, first-time job entrants and people engaged in structural training or study, will also increase from the beginning of next month.
The national minimum wage, which applies to all employees with the exception of close family members, statutory apprentices and members of the Defence Forces, came into effect on April 1st, 2000.
The initial rate was set at £4.40 (€5.59) per hour for experienced adult workers. This was increased to £4.70 (€5.97) on July 1st last year. Further increases are to be considered in the context of talks on a successor to the PPF.
