2025 Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Contract Cleaning Sector

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has confirmed a new Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Contract Cleaning sector, which came into effect on 17 October 2025.

This new Order sets out the minimum rates of pay and employment conditions for all workers employed in the contract cleaning industry across Ireland, including those working in offices, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, retail, and other commercial settings.

Key Pay Rate Changes

The ERO introduces revised minimum hourly rates of pay for cleaning operatives, with two stages of increases:

From 17 October 2025:

• Under 18 years: €9.87 per hour
• 18 years: €11.28 per hour
• 19 years: €12.69 per hour
• 20 years and over: €14.10 per hour

From 1 January 2026:

• Under 18 years: €10.36 per hour
• 18 years: €11.84 per hour
• 19 years: €13.32 per hour
• 20 years and over: €14.80 per hour

Other Conditions of Employment

In addition to pay rates, the ERO also outlines provisions in areas such as:

• Normal working hours / Up to 40 hours per week, Monday to Sunday.
• Overtime / Payment for hours worked beyond normal working hours.
• Unsocial hours premium /  Enhanced rates for qualifying hours.
• Uniform /  Rules around provision, use and maintenance.
• Payslips and records / Employers must maintain accurate records and provide written details of pay and conditions.

The ERO ensures that all employees in the sector receive fair and consistent terms of employment, while also creating a level playing field for compliant employers.

Importantly, any existing agreement that provides terms equal to or better than the ERO will remain valid and unaffected.

What Employers Need to Do

Employers in the contract cleaning sector should now:

• Review pay rates to ensure compliance with the new minimums.
• Update contracts and payroll systems as needed.
• Communicate changes clearly to employees.
• Keep records of compliance in case of WRC inspection.

Need Help Interpreting the New ERO?

If you need help interpreting any part of the new ERO or understanding how it applies to your workforce, our team at MSS The HR People can assist with pay reviews, contract updates and compliance checks.



Email: info@mssthehrpeople.ie PH: 018870690

Read the full ERO on the WRC website: Contract Cleaning – WRC