ERO Handkerchief and Household Piece Goods

Implications of the High Court Decision Delivered on July 7th 2011 in Relation to Employment Regulation Orders (EROs).

Application

This ERO applies to all employees employed in the making products such as handkerchiefs, bed-linen, bed-spreads, towels and tea-cloths or similar household articles from materials such as linen, cotton and silk or other materials excluding papers, rubberised material and American oilcloth. See ERO for detailed definitions of all categories covered.

Remuneration

Minimum Pay

Rates of minimum pay will vary depending on whether an employee is classified as a worker or a learner. There are separate rules for piece-workers and piece-rates also.  Full details relating to statutory minimum rates of pay are set ou in the ERO.

Overtime Rates

An employee who works in excess of the normal number of hours during the week up until noon on Saturday is entitled to be paid time-and-a-half. An employee who works any time after noon on Saturday up until the normal starting time on Monday is entitled to be paid double time.

Conditions of Employment

Working hours

The normal number of hours to be worked by full time adult employees is 39 hours per week.  In relation to workers under the age of 18, the provisions of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 shall apply.

Rest Periods

All employees are entitled to breaks and rest periods in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.  In relation to workers under the age of 18, the provisions of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 shall apply.

Holidays

Annual leave and public holiday entitlements are in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.

Sick Pay Scheme

There is no reference to a Sick Pay Scheme in this ERO.

Miscellaneous

The ERO provides for special conditions in relation to conditions governing learnership, a pension and mortality scheme and entitlements to service pay. See ERO for more details.