Minimum rates of pay for workers in the construction and electrical contracting sectors are set to rise by 2.7% later this year.

Minister of State Pat Breen has formally approved two recommendations from the Labour Court for new minimum pay rates.

New basic hourly rates of pay will apply from October 1st this year to September 30th 2020.

Craftspersons - such as bricklayers, stone layers and carpenters - will get €19.44 per hour, while certain scaffolders, banks operatives, steel fixers and crane drivers will recieve €18.86 per hour.

Skilled general operatives who have worked in the sector for more than two years will see their pay increase €17.50 an hour - and new entrant operative workers will be on €14.14 per hour.

Minister Breen said: "The sectoral employment process is welcome in that it provides an independent assessment of pay rates that takes into account the views of all interested parties.

"In the case of the Labour Court's latest recommendations, I have carefully considered the Labour Court reports to ensure that the requirements of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 have been observed.

"I am satisfied that the Labour Court has applied the process properly and, on this basis, I am pleased to formally accept its recommendations."

"These measures are an important step in securing stability and growth in crucial sectors in our economy."

In the case of the construction sector, the Labour Court recommendation followed on from an application by the BATU, Connect, OPATSI, SIPTU and UNITE to the court to review the terms and conditions of workers in the construction sector.

The application in the electrical contracting sector was made by Connect, the Association of Electrical Contractors Ireland and the Electrical Contractors Association.