Working hours in Ireland

Standard working hours

Most employees in Ireland work up to 8 hours per day, amounting to 39 hours per week. Typical working days extend from Monday to Friday, usually from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Workers must have at least 30 minutes for lunch, often increased by employers to a full hour.

Maximum weekly hours and overtime

The law restricts the maximum average working week to 48 hours. This average is calculated over a four-month reference period. Employees cannot legally agree to work above this limit. Overtime occurs when an employee works beyond their set contractual hours.

• 48-hour limit averaged over four months
• No option to waive this limit by contract
• Contract terms should specify if overtime may be required

Overtime pay

There is no legal requirement for overtime pay in Ireland. Any additional payment rates are set out in employment contracts or company policies. If the employer pays for overtime, details must appear in the contract.

Sunday work

Employees who work on Sundays are entitled to extra compensation. Employers can provide this in several ways:

• Bonus allowance
• Higher pay rates for Sunday hours
• Reasonable paid time off instead

Night work

Night work covers the period from midnight to 7:00 am. A night worker is defined as someone who works for at least three hours during this window or spends at least half their working year on night shifts. Night workers may not exceed an average of 8 hours in a 24-hour period. The average can be calculated over two months or over a longer period if set in a collective agreement.

Breaks and rest periods

Employees have distinct rights to breaks and rest periods during and between shifts. Breaks are not automatically paid unless agreed by the employer.

• 15-minute break if working more than 4.5 hours
• 30-minute break if working more than 6 hours (may include the first break)
• At least 11 hours of rest between shifts
• Weekly rest of 24 consecutive hours without work

Banded hours contracts

If an employee regularly works hours different from those stated in their contract over the previous 12 months, they may request a banded hours contract that reflects their actual pattern.

• Employer must agree to request unless there is no supporting evidence
• Employer can refuse if significant business changes occurred in the last 12 months
• Temporary fluctuations in hours are not grounds for long-term change

Time tracking requirements

Irish employers must keep accurate records of working hours, daily and weekly, as well as all leave granted. Records must be maintained for at least seven years and should be presented in a clear format to inspectors if requested.

• Employee name, address, and PPS number
• Summary of job duties
• Copy of employment statement under relevant employment law
• Days and total hours worked each week
• Details of leave taken and payments made for leave
• Information on any extra pay for public holidays
• Record of notification regarding working time

The law allows delegation of time recording to employees, but employers are responsible for intervention if proper tracking is not maintained. If found non-compliant, employers face fines of up to €1,900 and an additional €600 for every day that the violation continues.