Employment Rules for Posted Workers in Ireland
The employment of Posted Workers in Ireland is governed by the European Union (Posting of Workers) Regulations 2016, which transposed Directive 96/71/EC and Directive 2014/67/EU into Irish law. These regulations outline the rights and obligations of workers and employers when an employee is temporarily transferred to Ireland from another EU member state. Directive 96/71/EC came into effect on 30 July 2020 and establishes key employment conditions for posted workers.
Who is a Posted Worker?
A Posted Worker is an individual—whether EU or non-EU national—who is employed in an EU country and temporarily transferred to another EU country to provide services for a limited period. The employment relationship remains with the foreign employer, and the worker does not become part of the host country’s labour market.
Employment Conditions and Compliance
Under the Directive, host EU member states, including Ireland, must enforce certain employment law protections for posted workers. Compliance with these conditions is monitored by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in Ireland. The regulations ensure that posted workers receive the minimum employment standards applicable in Ireland, including:
- Minimum wage requirements
- Maximum working hours and rest periods
- Health, safety, and workplace conditions
- Equal treatment in employment terms
Employer Obligations and Declaration Requirements
Before a posted worker can begin employment in Ireland, the foreign employer must submit a declaration to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). This declaration must include:
- Name and address of the Irish host company
- Work location in Ireland
- Nationality of the posted worker
- Job title during the assignment
- Start and end date of the posting
- Hours of work and salary details
Failure to submit the required declaration to the WRC may lead to penalties, including fines of up to €50,000.
- Employment Permit Types & Overview
- Highly Skilled Worker Permit
- Standard Employment Work Permit
- Work Transfer Permit for Company Employees
- Alternative Employment Permit Options
- Work Permit Schemes for Skilled Labour
- Short-Term Work Permission for EU Employees
- Employer-Supported Residency Applications
- Employment Rules for Posted Workers in Ireland