Established in 1999, the ISSA aims to protect, advise, educate and promote the rights of staff working within the racing sector of the equine industry. This is done through negotiation and open dialogue with all stakeholders in the industry to protect the basic rights in line with The National Minimum wage agreement and the organisation working time act 1997.
Most employees are entitled to a minimum wage under the National Minimum Wage act 2000. Since January 1st 2023 the national minimum wage has increased to €11.30 per hour. Some people (for example those under 20) get sub minimum rates.
Aged 19 €10.17 per hour
Aged 18 €9.04 per hour
Aged under 18 €7.91 per hr
Further information is available here.
ALL raceday expenses should be covered in your contract of work and this should be issued to you within one month of starting employment, this should include working hours, pay intervals (weekly or monthly etc.), paid leave, annual leave, public holidays, and now sick pay.
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Subsistence rates should be paid to all employees before travelling to race meetings.
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| Period of Assignment | Rate (daily) |
| 10 hours or more | €38.08 |
| Between 5 and 10 hours | €16.29 |
This should be paid in accordance with rule 298 of the Rules of Racing and the IHRB committee rules all monies are to be paid to Employers for Distribution to REGISTERED EMPLOYEES on four occasions each year. Payments will be made in the months of April, July, October and January. The amount payable to each employee should be based on the rules and guidelines agreed at local level BY EMPLOYEES ONLY. A signed copy of the agreement BY TWO EMPLOYEES MUST be lodged with the IHRB and displayed with easy access for all staff in your place of employment.
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These should also be covered in you contract of work. Also covered should be Bullying and Harassment procedures a link to Equuip counselling.
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The ISSA have and will always treat any contact made with them as TOTALLY confidential and if ANY employee feels they need advice or supports they can be reassured we are available to you 24/7 through our website, phone and email. We also work with Equuip and recommend contacting them if you have any upskilling or training you feel will benefit YOU and we suggest you checkout the Equuip site. All training options can be found by clicking on the three bars on the top right hand side.