Starting work
When you start work
Your rights at work
There is a wide range of legislation that guarantees minimum rights and protection for both full-time and part-time workers.
It covers:
- terms and conditions
- wages and entitlements
- working and rest times;
- Sunday working;
- holidays for full and part-time workers;
- minimum notice an employer can give you if they terminate your job;
- sick pay (see page 12 – ‘What if I am temporarily too ill to work?’);
- leave to care for someone (‘carer’s leave’); and
- protection against discrimination.
To receive any social welfare benefits you must qualify under the rules for each scheme.
Employers are not allowed to deduct expenses associated with recruitment from your pay and are not allowed to keep any of your personal documents.
Your Personal Public Service Number (PPS No.) is a unique reference number that helps you gain access to social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. You can apply for a PPS number at your local Social Welfare Office at:
Dominick Street, Limerick
Phone: (061) 212200
Fax: (061) 414448
You can use your PPS for:
- all social welfare services;
- the free travel pass;
- pupil ID;
- public health services, including the medical card and the drugs payment scheme;
- child immunisation;
- schemes run by the Revenue Commissioners, such as mortgage interest relief;
- housing grants; and
- driver theory testing and driver licences.
PPS numbers are printed on:
- social services card;
- drugs payment card ;
- P60 (the annual statement of pay, tax and social insurance contributions from your employer);
- P45 (the statement of tax and pay to date issued by employer when you leave employment);
- Tax Assessment forms;
- PAYE ‘Notice of Tax Credits’; and
- ‘Temporary Payment Card’.
How do I get a PPS number?
Only people living in Ireland can apply for a PPS Number. To receive a number, you must fill out an application form and provide proof of your identity. You will need different documents depending on your nationality. See the complete list of documents required at www.citizensinformation.ie or www.welfare.ie
People who are not Irish need to produce the following documents:
- passport or national identity card; or
- immigration card; and
- evidence of your address, such as a household bill (for example, ESB, phone or gas) in your name.
If you are unsure about whether or not a particular organisation, person or agent is entitled to ask you for your PPS number, you should contact your local Social Welfare Officer.
Work documents
- You must have a PPS number
- What is PRSI?Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) is your social insurance contribution to the Irish state. If you have an employer. PRSI is deducted automatically from your pay. The amount you pay depends on your earnings and the type of work you do. This is very important so check with your employer to make sure that they are paying PRSI for you.