The maximum number of hours an employee can work in an average workweek is 48 hours. However, despite this, most employees typically work 39 hours or less per week.The average for a working week is usually calculated over a reference period of four months for most employees, but can vary up to six months for certain sectors and roles — and up to 12 months if agreed upon by employer and employee, and approved by the Labour Court. The 48-hour limit includes overtime, and employees can work more than 48 hours in some weeks as long as the average of 48 isn’t exceeded across the reference period.Breaks: Employees are entitled to a daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours per 24-hour period, and a weekly rest period of 24 consecutive hours per seven-day period.Per day, workers are entitled to a 15-minute break per 4.5 hours of work, and a 30-minute break for more than 6 hours of work (which can include the first 15-minute break.) These breaks are not required to be paid by Irish law.Sunday work: Employees who work on Sundays are entitled to a benefit such as extra pay, a reasonable allowance, a reasonable pay increase, or reasonable paid time off work.Time Tracking: Time tracking is required by law in Ireland. Employees must track their hours, and employers must keep those records for up to three years.Overtime: There are no laws around overtime pay, but many employers offer higher rates of pay for overtime. Include details in your employment contracts on whether employees must work overtime, and the rates of pay for overtime (if any).
