University of Galway Finds 6% of Irish Hospitality Workers Paid Below Minimum Wage
Updated
Updated · RTÉ News · May 18
University of Galway Finds 6% of Irish Hospitality Workers Paid Below Minimum Wage
1 articles · Updated · RTÉ News · May 18
736 responses from Irish hospitality workers in 2025 showed recurring employment breaches, with 6% reporting pay below the minimum wage, 11% saying they were unpaid for all hours worked and nearly a quarter lacking written terms.
The research also found heavy strain across the sector: 71% said they felt “used up” at the end of the workday, more than half had witnessed bullying or harassment and 38% said they had experienced it.
Researchers said the results point to a persistent gap between the industry's demands and the supports available to workers, reinforcing long-running problems in retention, wellbeing and performance.
96% of respondents still said they care about being useful and productive, and three quarters said they enjoy their work environment, suggesting commitment remains strong despite poor conditions.
University of Galway said the findings should inform policymakers, employers and unions as part of a wider Global Hospitality Research Alliance study of working conditions across countries.
With rising costs forcing staff cuts, can Ireland's hospitality sector afford the reforms needed to retain its workers?
High burnout and high engagement coexist in Irish hospitality. Can the industry resolve this paradox to ensure its survival?
As countries like Canada offer high salaries and residency, how can Ireland stop its hospitality talent from leaving?
Irish Hospitality in Crisis: Rising Costs, Worker Precarity, and the Path to Sustainable Reform (2025–2026)
Overview
The Irish hospitality sector in 2025-2026 faces a mix of optimism and challenges. While hotels saw strong room rates and a 3% rise in revenue per available room, mainly due to the North American market, this growth hides uneven regional results and weak domestic demand. At the same time, the sector struggles with persistent worker issues, including poor conditions and rising operational costs. These pressures are made worse by new wage and pension rules, leading to high business closures. Overall, the industry is transforming, balancing revenue gains in some areas with significant financial and workforce difficulties.