My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?

Direct answer

Unpaid wages are the one dispute where waiting costs you: claims expire. Write to the employer with the amount and a short deadline, then contact Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (0818 80 80 90) — the body that enforces employment law in Ireland; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Your trade union (ICTU) (ictu.ie), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Insolvency Payments Scheme (Dept of Social Protection) pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstWorkplace Relations Commission (WRC)

Report toYour trade union (ICTU)

If that failsInsolvency Payments Scheme (Dept of Social Protection)

🗣️ What to say

"My wages for [month] of €… gross were due on [date] and have not been paid. I request payment within 7 days. If not, I will file with Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and claim interest and costs."

🪜 Step by step

Put it in writingAmount, period, due date, 7-day deadline. Keep every message about pay.
Gather proofContract, payslips, bank statements, your own record of hours and days worked, work chat messages.
Report to Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Your trade union (ICTU) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Insolvency Payments Scheme (Dept of Social Protection)The wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Complaints under the Payment of Wages Act, inspections, adjudicationWithin 6 months of the unpaid date📞 0818 80 80 90 🔗 www.workplacerelations.ie

Your trade union (ICTU)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.ictu.ie

Insolvency Payments Scheme (Dept of Social Protection)Pays arrears when the employer is insolventApply through the liquidator or receiver🔗 www.gov.ie/en/service/insolvency-payments-scheme

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop working until I am paid?

In most countries yes, after a written warning, if the arrears are substantial — check with Your trade union (ICTU) first so it cannot be treated as abandonment.

I worked without a contract

You are still an employee. Messages, hours, colleagues and payments prove the relationship, and the inspectorate can enforce the minimum wage.

How long do I have?

Limitation periods are short — often one to three years, and collective agreements may cut it to months. Act now.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💼 My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?