Key Irish Employment Law Updates to Watch in 2026

11 Mar

2026 is shaping up to be an important year in employment law with several changes aimed at improving fairness, transparency and protections for employees. Here are some developments to be aware of -

Pay Transparency & Gender Pay Gap Reporting

New rules are coming that will make pay more transparent. The EU Pay Transparency Directive must be implemented by June 2026, and employers are already being encouraged to review pay structures and data systems.
In addition, gender pay gap reporting is expected to move to a central national reporting portal in 2026, making reports easier to access and compare.

Auto-Enrolment Pensions – My Future Fund

From 1 January 2026, auto-enrolment pensions began for eligible employees earning over €20,000 who are not already in a qualifying scheme. Contributions start at 1.5% from both employer and employee, gradually increasing over time, with additional State support.

Retirement Ages

A new law signed at the end of 2025 will allow employees to request to keep working if their contractual retirement age is lower than the State pension age. Employers will need to provide a clear, objective written response if they refuse. Updated guidance from the WRC is expected, and employers should start reviewing retirement clauses and internal procedures now.

Minimum Wage & Living Wage

From 1 January 2026, the national minimum wage increased to €14.15 per hour. Plans to replace this with a higher statutory living wage have been delayed until 2029 to help support businesses during uncertain economic conditions.

Flexible & Part-Time Working

An updated Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working has been introduced to encourage more flexible working arrangements. It supports inclusivity for parents, carers, older workers and students, and encourages employers to review policies and monitor uptake.