Women and young workers dominate Ireland’s low-pay workforce, study shows

Working In Ireland’s latest study, involving scholars from NERI and the UCD School of Business, finds that women comprise two-thirds of the nation’s low-paid workforce. Low wages are especially prevalent in hospitality, food services and retail, which together account for about two-thirds of these jobs. Although 72% of low-paid workers earn more than the legal minimum of €14.15, they often do not receive enough hours to meet the real living wage, estimated at €15.40 per hour.

Graduates are the largest single cohort among low earners, while young adults (16-24) and older workers also see a high share of insufficient weekly earnings. The report notes that most low-paid employees receive little training or access to technology, limiting their prospects for higher-pay roles. Researchers call for broader job-condition reforms beyond raising the hourly minimum wage.