Holiday Entitlements
Information on workers' rights regarding public holidays, including paid leave and time off policies.
Sections
1. Overview of Public Holidays in Ireland
Ireland has 10 official public holidays each year. These are statutory holidays, meaning employees are entitled to specific benefits under Irish employment law. The public holidays are:
- New Yearโs Day (January 1)
- St. Brigidโs Day (First Monday in February, introduced in 2023)
- St. Patrickโs Day (March 17)
- Easter Monday (Date varies, not the same as Good Friday)
- First Monday in May (May Bank Holiday)
- First Monday in June (June Bank Holiday)
- First Monday in August (August Bank Holiday)
- Last Monday in October (October Bank Holiday)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- St. Stephenโs Day (December 26)
2. National Regulations Governing Public Holidays
The rules for public holidays in Ireland are set out in the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Key points include:
- Eligibility: All employees, including full-time, part-time, and casual workers, are entitled to public holiday benefits if they have worked at least 40 hours in the 5 weeks preceding the public holiday.
- Entitlements: Employees are entitled to one of the following for a public holiday:
- A paid day off on the public holiday.
- An additional day of annual leave.
- An additional dayโs pay.
- A paid day off within a month of the public holiday.
The specific benefit is determined by the employer, but employees can request their preference.
3. Employee Rights on Public Holidays
Employees have the following rights:
Full-Time Employees
- Automatically entitled to public holiday benefits, regardless of how long they have been employed.
Part-Time and Casual Employees
- Entitled to public holiday benefits if they have worked at least 40 hours in the 5 weeks leading up to the public holiday.
Shift Workers
- If a public holiday falls on a day the employee is not scheduled to work, they are still entitled to one of the four benefits listed above.
Public Holidays During Leave
- If an employee is on sick leave, maternity leave, adoptive leave, or parental leave, they are still entitled to public holiday benefits.
- If an employee is on unpaid leave or career break, they are not entitled to public holiday benefits.
4. Standard Procedures for Availing Public Holiday Benefits
To ensure compliance with public holiday entitlements, both employees and employers should follow these procedures:
For Employees
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the 40-hour requirement if you are a part-time or casual worker.
- Communicate Preferences: If you have a preference for how you want to receive your public holiday benefit (e.g., an extra day off or additional pay), communicate this to your employer in advance.
- Review Payslips: Verify that your public holiday entitlements are correctly reflected in your payslip.
For Employers
- Plan Schedules: Ensure adequate staffing for public holidays, especially in industries that operate on these days (e.g., retail, healthcare, hospitality).
- Inform Employees: Clearly communicate how public holiday entitlements will be handled.
- Maintain Records: Keep accurate records of hours worked by part-time and casual employees to determine eligibility.
5. Associated Costs for Employers
Employers must account for the following costs related to public holidays:
- Additional Pay: If employees work on a public holiday, they are entitled to double pay or time off in lieu, depending on the employment contract.
- Holiday Pay: Employers must pay employees their normal daily wage for the public holiday, even if the employee does not work that day.
- Staffing Costs: For businesses that remain open on public holidays, employers may need to pay overtime rates or hire additional staff.
6. Unique Considerations Specific to Ireland
Ireland has some unique aspects regarding public holidays:
Good Friday
- Not a Public Holiday: Good Friday is not a statutory public holiday in Ireland, but many businesses close, and it is considered a "day of rest" for some employees. Employees are not automatically entitled to a paid day off unless specified in their contract.
St. Brigidโs Day
- Introduced in 2023, St. Brigidโs Day is Irelandโs newest public holiday. It is celebrated on the first Monday in February, unless February 1 (St. Brigidโs Feast Day) falls on a Friday, in which case the public holiday is observed on that Friday.
Public Holidays and Religious Observances
- While some public holidays (e.g., Christmas, St. Patrickโs Day) have religious origins, they are observed as secular holidays in Ireland, and all employees are entitled to benefits regardless of their religious beliefs.
Cross-Border Workers
- Employees who live in Northern Ireland but work in the Republic of Ireland (or vice versa) should be aware that public holidays differ between the two jurisdictions. For example, Northern Ireland observes additional public holidays such as the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemenโs Day) on July 12.
7. Disputes and Enforcement
If an employee believes their public holiday entitlements have not been met, they can:
- Raise the Issue with Their Employer: Start by discussing the matter informally.
- Seek Advice: Contact the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for guidance.
- File a Complaint: If necessary, employees can file a formal complaint with the WRC, which has the authority to investigate and resolve disputes.
8. Practical Tips for Employees
- Plan Ahead: Use public holidays strategically to extend annual leave or plan vacations.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your employment contract and the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
- Track Hours: If you are a part-time or casual worker, keep a record of your hours to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
9. Summary
Public holidays in Ireland are an important part of employee entitlements, providing either a paid day off, additional pay, or extra leave. The system is designed to ensure fairness for all workers, including part-time and casual employees, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Employers must comply with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and ensure that employees receive their entitlements. For any disputes, the Workplace Relations Commission is available to assist.
By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can make the most of Irelandโs public holiday system, whether you are an employee or an employer.
If you have further questions or need clarification on any aspect of public holiday entitlements in Ireland, feel free to ask!