Here’s something to smile about: The new employment rights that will boost your finances in 2024

The year will bring in more pay for sick leave, better parents’ leave and access to pension contributions

Things are looking up for some employees in 2024

Gabrielle Monaghan

Restaurants, cafes and gastropubs have been closing at a rate of one a day, says the Restaurants Association of Ireland, with shuttering businesses including Cork eaterie Nash 19 blaming soaring business costs.

As well as higher energy bills, impending repayments on tax debt warehoused during Covid, and a hike in the VAT rate for the hospitality industry, the sector is attributing costs associated with new employee entitlements – such as sick pay, a rise in the national minimum wage, and pensions for all workers – for causing an existential threat to its viability.