Public vs. Private Sector Pay
According to the report, public sector HCAs in Ireland start at €16.92 per hour, with potential to rise to €21.39 per hour. In contrast, HCAs in the private sector earn a minimum average wage of €12.70 per hour.
Since 2016, annual pay for public sector HCAs has increased by 24%. Under the current Public Service Pay Agreement, their wages are set to rise by over 5% annually through June 2026. Meanwhile, private sector HCAs have yet to see comparable increases. Sharon Cregan, SIPTU’s sector organiser, stated the findings validate the union’s long-standing concerns about pay equity for healthcare assistants.
The issue is not isolated to Ireland. The study found similar disparities across Europe for employees performing identical roles.
Government Signals Delay in Pay Review
Despite calls for pay equity, sources within the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment have indicated that salary increases for private sector HCAs are unlikely to take effect soon. A proposal to increase salary thresholds under the General Employment Permit scheme remains under review, with no clear implementation date.
Originally scheduled for review in December 2023, the government has cited the upcoming cabinet formation in January 2025 as a reason for potential delays. Under the proposal:
- The General Employment Permit salary threshold would rise to €39,000.
- The Critical Skills Employment Permit salary threshold would increase to €44,000.
However, there is no immediate plan to address HCA salaries under this scheme. The government and Nursing Home Ireland have provided only tentative assurances of an increase from January 2025, but these remain uncertain.
Family Reunification Policy Changes Delayed
Plans to revise the family reunification policy for non-EU residents, originally expected in December, have also been delayed due to the general election. While the current government is expected to remain in power, a potential reshuffle or change in policy focus could postpone the announcement further.
Under the proposed changes, sponsors would need to demonstrate their ability to support family members through income thresholds tied to the Working Family Payment. This requirement could complicate reunification for HCAs if wages remain stagnant while thresholds rise.
Relief Through Budget Measures
The government has confirmed that adjustments to the Working Family Payment, announced in the last budget, will take effect on January 5. These changes may provide temporary relief for lower-income employees, including HCAs. However, without an accompanying salary increase, the higher thresholds could hinder family reunification efforts.
In addition, the January increase in the national minimum wage is expected to benefit HCAs in the general employment category.
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