Improved pay and conditions for Security Officers under 2025 ERO
Security personnel across Ireland will benefit from a significant uplift in pay and working conditions following amendments to the Employment Regulation Order (ERO). The revised rates, building on 2024 changes, reflect ongoing professionalisation in the sector and rising cost-of-living pressures.
What’s new
- Hourly rate increase
From Tuesday the 22nd of July 2025, the minimum hourly rate for adult security workers will rise from €14.50 to €15.41. - Unsocial hours premium
Structured increases are in place for night-shift premium will rise from Thursday the 1st of January 2026 to €20 per night shift. - Terms and conditions
The ERO reinforces basic employment terms—mandatory pay breakdown statements, unsocial hours, annual leave payments, working hours, rest period & breaks, rosters, minimum shifts, working facilities, death in service payments, personal attack payments, sick pay scheme, training and uniform terms and conditions, minimum hours of employment, bereavement procedure, communications, trade union representation rights and recognition of the integrity of existing agreements whose terms are equal or better than the minimum of the ERO and wage compliance checks—paving the way for a more transparent work environment.
Why this matters
The security industry plays a vital role in safeguarding public services, retail, entertainment, banking, critical infrastructure and more. By raising standards and wages, the government seeks to stabilise employment terms and fortify a sector that continues to evolve.
Going beyond the ERO: Securitas Ireland’s commitment to staff
Though the ERO states that “Workers who enter the industry will be offered a contract of employment with a minimum of 24 hours per week after 6 months’ service,” Securitas Ireland believes in better when it comes to the terms and conditions of our people.
We are proud to offer a suite of staff-first initiatives that far exceed minimum statutory requirements of the Employment Regulation Order, setting a high benchmark in the industry:
- 36-hour per week contracts for staff who successfully complete their probation
- Full payment of all PSA Licence fees for staff
- Payment of training course costs required to obtain a PSA Licence
- A contributory pension scheme, including pension top-ups and enhanced employer contributions on top as a percentage of your salary
- Our most innovative benefit: Securitas will pay 50% of average wages earned during maternity leave for eligible staff — in addition to their Social Welfare entitlement which the employee gets to keep. This means some employees may receive up to 85% of their normal regular pay while on maternity leave when working for Securitas Ireland. This is industry leading and shows our commitment to our staff and where our family friendly policies are demonstrable with real benefits for our staff
These very progressive and unparalleled measures go far beyond what is outlined in the Security ERO. We consistently strive to offer higher hourly rates, stronger benefits, and superior working conditions, enabling our employees to achieve greater gross pay and long-term security.
At Securitas Ireland, our people truly do Make the Difference — every day.
Securitas leadership
Brian Doyle, Key Accounts Manager, Securitas Ireland, shared:
“Our officers are the face of Securitas and carry out a crucial role in protecting people, property and delivering peace of mind. This 2025 ERO increase acknowledges their dedication to their jobs and the value they bring to businesses and communities everyday across the whole Ireland.”
Ray Hoare, Country President and Managing Director of Securitas Ireland, added:
“We fully support the Employment Regulation Order and see it as an important measure in recognising the professionalism and contribution of security officers.”
Behind the numbers
- The statutory national minimum wage is currently €13.50/hour. With the new sector rate at €15.41, security workers now earn ~14% above the national base.
- The long overdue updated unsocial hours premiums serve as targeted incentives for demanding shift patterns in the Security industry and represents the first increase of this premium since January 2009.
Looking ahead
This round of adjustments demonstrates the effectiveness of the Joint Labour Committee process in raising sectoral standards. Worker groups like SIPTU plan to leverage this momentum, aiming for broader collective bargaining and further pay advances beyond the legal minimum.
Summary
- Effective 22nd of July 2025: Minimum wage increases to €15.41/hour.
- Shift premiums have been restructured and rise to €20 per shift which is an overdue increase of 19%. (from 1st January 2026)
- Enhanced transparency and compliance measures included.
- Reflects sector growth and rising professionalism, while boosting worker morale.
Looking for more?
- Background on the 2024 rates: Earlier ERO increased sector minimum from €12.90 to €14.50 (effective 1 July 2024).
- S.I. No. 326 of 2025 – The Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2025
This Order amends the Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2024 (S.I. No. 319 of 2024) particularly the amended to the minimum rates of pay from €14.50 to €15.41 with effect from the 22nd of July 2025
All other items and sections in the old (2024) ERO S.I. No. 319 of 2024 remain unchanged by this amendment and remain in force.
Please note also the increase to €20.00 per shift for night works from 1st of January 2026
- National wage context: National minimum wage rose to €13.50 on 1 January 2025.
With these renewed legal benchmarks, Ireland’s security workforce can expect not only a tangible pay bump this summer but also continued advancement in working standards and sector stability.
