The Sectoral Order (Construction Sector) 2017 (the “Order”) came into effect on 19th October 2017. It is important to have a look at the details of the Order if your business comes within the broadly defined “Building Firms” or “Civil Engineering Firms” which includes companies involved in the “construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, painting, decoration and demolition of” a variety of structures. Once your business comes within these definitions, the terms of this Order are legally binding in respect of your employees. Ensure that you are complying with the terms and conditions of employment as set out in the Order. The Order is found at the attached link
The pay rates are much higher than minimum wage and increased by approximately 10% from the previous Registered Employment Agreement for this sector. The Order clearly sets out when employees will be entitled to time and a half and double time rates. There is also provision for a contributory pension and sick pay schemes. However, there is a different dispute resolution
provision which involves employees to raise individual disputes with their employer at the local level first before going to the Workplace Relations Commissions (“WRC”). Also, collective disputes should be raised with the employer first before being referred to the Conciliation Service of the WRC if necessary.
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