Q.  I earn the minimum wage. From the 1st of February the minimum wage has been reduced from €8.65 to €7.65. Does this mean that my wages for February will be reduced by €1 an hour?

28.02.11

It depends on your contract of employment. Even if you don’t have a full written contract of employment, under the law you should have a written statement of terms of employment which should include your rate of pay or how your pay is calculated.

If your contract or terms of employment state that you are paid according to the "prevailing national minimum wage hourly rate" your pay can be reduced without your agreement. Your contract could also include a clause that says that your pay can be reduced (in line with minimum wage rates or for other reasons).

However, if your contract states specifically that you are paid €8.65 an hour, your employer cannot reduce this without your agreement. This is because, as part of contract law, any change to the terms and conditions of your employment must be agreed between both your employer and yourself. Your employer may tell you that the only alternative to a reduction in your wage is reduced hours or redundancy. If this happens you should get more information and advice about your options.

You can get more information on the changes to the minimum wage from the National Employment Rights Authority (Lo-call 1890 80 80 90 or visit www.employmentrights.ie ).

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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