Since February 10th this year the Low Pay Commission has been open for invitations for people to submit their opinion on what the National Wage should be. This Friday (March 6th) is the last day for submissions on what you think should be the minimum wage. It is open to all members of the public including both employees and employers.

If you are an employee in the machinery industry on the minimum wage, you may feel that the current minimum wage rate is too low to make ends meet. If that is the case you can make a submission to the Low Pay Commission on what you think would be a reasonable level for the National Minimum Wage.

On the other hand, if you are an employer, you may think that the minimum wage is too high and that if it was lower your business would prosper that bit better, especially if your business is struggling to survive.

The service dealer industry is currently finding it difficult to employ staff, especially qualified or trainee mechanics/technicians. Is this because the wages offered are perceived to be too small by prospective employees? The agricultural and horticultural industry is probably one of the least paid industries in Ireland. In order to encourage more people to this sector, would a more attractive wage/salary package be the answer to solving the problem?

It is all very easy for me to say, as I write this article, what the National Minimum Wage should be without knowing the circumstances of each business out there, trying to survive in the current economic climate. And with the coronavirus threatening global economic growth, who knows what that will mean for service dealers around the country. More about this in a future blog.

I do think though that one should set aside some time to analyse what a fair minimum wage rate would be and, when you have made your conclusions, submit your opinion to the Low Pay Commission by 5pm this Friday.

All opinions are important. Following a review of the public’s submissions, the Low Pay Commission will make its recommendations to the Minister of Employment Affairs and Social Protection from the information gathered from the public, which it feels is a minimum wage that is both fair and sustainable. You should seriously consider making a submission as all opinions will be important in setting the appropriate National Minimum Wage for 2021.

The national minimum hourly rates increased from the beginning of February this year. Now an experienced adult worker must receive at least €10.10 per hour. A person aged 19 must receive at least €9.09 per hour, an 18-year old at least €8.08 per hour. Those under 18 must receive at least €7.07 per hour. Since 4th March 2019, trainee rates were abolished. For a more detailed list of the National Minimum Wage you can visit www.gov.ie

You can email your comments and opinions as to what the minimum wage should be to the Low Pay Commission at secretarylpc@welfare.ie or alternatively you can phone them on 01 7043957.