Laura Bambrick
@drbambrick.bsky.social
Social and employment policy @ the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
Looking forward to the follow-up article on price cuts when their 9% VAT rate kicks in on July 1.
Hairdressers preparing price hikes as rising costs squeeze margins www.independent.ie/irish-news/h...
Hairdressers preparing price hikes as rising costs squeeze margins
Hairdressers across the country are preparing to increase their prices as mounting cost pressures including pension auto-enrolment, higher product prices and the minimum wage rise put pressure on…
www.independent.ie
February 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Looking forward to the follow-up article on price cuts when their 9% VAT rate kicks in on July 1.
Before the first weekend in February became a bank holiday in 2023, it was a long eleven-week slog for workers between New Year’s Day and St Patrick’s Day - Me on the benefits of the St Brigid’s bank holiday. www.rte.ie/news/busines...
What is St Brigid's bank holiday worth to the economy?
After a long, wet January, the St Brigid's bank holiday is a welcome day off work for many people.
www.rte.ie
February 2, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Before the first weekend in February became a bank holiday in 2023, it was a long eleven-week slog for workers between New Year’s Day and St Patrick’s Day - Me on the benefits of the St Brigid’s bank holiday. www.rte.ie/news/busines...
c.5,000 employees have already voluntarily enrolled into the new MyFutureFund pension, i.e. employees who fall outside the age (23-60) and income (<€20,000) criteria for automatic enrolment. What’s more, voluntary enrolment is the most common query to the customer helpline. Very, very promising.
January 28, 2026 at 6:18 PM
c.5,000 employees have already voluntarily enrolled into the new MyFutureFund pension, i.e. employees who fall outside the age (23-60) and income (<€20,000) criteria for automatic enrolment. What’s more, voluntary enrolment is the most common query to the customer helpline. Very, very promising.
I’ll be chatting to @mcculld.bsky.social about the new My Future Fund deduction from your wages, on RTÉ Radio 1 shortly.
January 26, 2026 at 10:07 AM
I’ll be chatting to @mcculld.bsky.social about the new My Future Fund deduction from your wages, on RTÉ Radio 1 shortly.
Reposted by Laura Bambrick
Spotted a new deduction from your payslip? It's probably your new pension, here's how it works jrnl.ie/6935136
Spotted a new deduction from your payslip? It's probably your new pension
The auto-enrolment pension scheme, here’s how it works.
jrnl.ie
January 22, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Spotted a new deduction from your payslip? It's probably your new pension, here's how it works jrnl.ie/6935136
Today’s lesson: Pension auto-enrolment - who, what, why and how.
Me writing for @intonews.bsky.social Available in school staffrooms and on intouch.into.ie
Me writing for @intonews.bsky.social Available in school staffrooms and on intouch.into.ie
January 22, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Today’s lesson: Pension auto-enrolment - who, what, why and how.
Me writing for @intonews.bsky.social Available in school staffrooms and on intouch.into.ie
Me writing for @intonews.bsky.social Available in school staffrooms and on intouch.into.ie
Parents want a guarantee of a quality childcare service at an affordable price and an end to the annual will-they-won’t-they threats of their daycare centre withdrawing from State schemes. Government’s plan for ‘State-led’ childcare only guarantees them more of the same. www.ictu.ie/news/governm...
Government’s childcare plan guarantees more of the same
Responding to the Government’s plans to acquire childcare facilities, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said:
www.ictu.ie
January 21, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Parents want a guarantee of a quality childcare service at an affordable price and an end to the annual will-they-won’t-they threats of their daycare centre withdrawing from State schemes. Government’s plan for ‘State-led’ childcare only guarantees them more of the same. www.ictu.ie/news/governm...
The annual number of early years services closures has more than halved.
2020 = 197
2021 = 141
Core funding starts in September 2022
2022 = 141
2023 = 115
2024 = 95
Source: Tusla
2020 = 197
2021 = 141
Core funding starts in September 2022
2022 = 141
2023 = 115
2024 = 95
Source: Tusla
Nearly 1,000 early years childcare services have closed their doors over the last six years, new figures show
Nearly 1,000 childcare services closed over six years
Nearly 1,000 early years childcare services have closed their doors over the last six years, new figures show.
www.rte.ie
January 21, 2026 at 12:16 PM
The annual number of early years services closures has more than halved.
2020 = 197
2021 = 141
Core funding starts in September 2022
2022 = 141
2023 = 115
2024 = 95
Source: Tusla
2020 = 197
2021 = 141
Core funding starts in September 2022
2022 = 141
2023 = 115
2024 = 95
Source: Tusla
It’s no coincidence those busily selling occupational pension schemes and PRSAs as an auto-enrolment alternative rarely if ever compare fees and charges.
“low charges make My Future Fund a superior option for all but the highest earners.”
“low charges make My Future Fund a superior option for all but the highest earners.”
January 18, 2026 at 1:01 PM
It’s no coincidence those busily selling occupational pension schemes and PRSAs as an auto-enrolment alternative rarely if ever compare fees and charges.
“low charges make My Future Fund a superior option for all but the highest earners.”
“low charges make My Future Fund a superior option for all but the highest earners.”
State to become a social landlord for the childcare industry.
The Government will next week sign off on a plan to buy buildings that will provide childcare facilities
Govt to sign off on plan to buy buildings for childcare
The Government will next week sign off on a plan to buy buildings that will provide childcare facilities.
www.rte.ie
January 17, 2026 at 6:24 PM
State to become a social landlord for the childcare industry.
Headline changed, along with election promise.
January 17, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Headline changed, along with election promise.
In what world is this public/ state-provided childcare???
January 17, 2026 at 2:58 PM
In what world is this public/ state-provided childcare???
If you’re one of the 763,000 employees (over a quarter of the workforce) whose first payslips of 2026 show a new MyFutureFund deduction from your wages, chances are you’ll want to know what that’s all about.
I’ve an auto-enrolment explainer for employees over on The Journal (link below)
I’ve an auto-enrolment explainer for employees over on The Journal (link below)
January 16, 2026 at 10:06 AM
If you’re one of the 763,000 employees (over a quarter of the workforce) whose first payslips of 2026 show a new MyFutureFund deduction from your wages, chances are you’ll want to know what that’s all about.
I’ve an auto-enrolment explainer for employees over on The Journal (link below)
I’ve an auto-enrolment explainer for employees over on The Journal (link below)
Reposted by Laura Bambrick
If you are one of the three-quarters of a million employees whose first payslip of 2026 shows a new MyFutureFund deduction from your wages, chances are you’re going to be keen to know more about auto-enrolment.
ICTU's Laura Bambrick answers our questions about the new MyFutureFund
jrnl.ie/6925666
ICTU's Laura Bambrick answers our questions about the new MyFutureFund
jrnl.ie/6925666
Pensions auto-enrolment: It kicks in this month, let's recap on how it will all work
As the first wages hit bank accounts for the new year, ICTU’s Laura Bambrick answers our questions about the new MyFutureFund pension scheme that a quarter of workers have been signed up to.
jrnl.ie
January 16, 2026 at 7:35 AM
If you are one of the three-quarters of a million employees whose first payslip of 2026 shows a new MyFutureFund deduction from your wages, chances are you’re going to be keen to know more about auto-enrolment.
ICTU's Laura Bambrick answers our questions about the new MyFutureFund
jrnl.ie/6925666
ICTU's Laura Bambrick answers our questions about the new MyFutureFund
jrnl.ie/6925666
From today, three-quarters of a million more workers will have access to a workplace pension to save for a more comfortable retirement. www.ictu.ie/news/20-year...
20-year wait for pension auto-enrolment is finally over
The new Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System known as MyFutureFund starts from today (Thursday, 1 January 2026).Welcoming this landmark social policy, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions gener...
www.ictu.ie
January 1, 2026 at 12:37 PM
From today, three-quarters of a million more workers will have access to a workplace pension to save for a more comfortable retirement. www.ictu.ie/news/20-year...
🛍️ As we head into the busiest shopping days of the festive season, don’t be that person!
🧘♀️Keep calm and respect retail workers.
🙏 It costs nothing to be nice.
🧘♀️Keep calm and respect retail workers.
🙏 It costs nothing to be nice.
December 20, 2025 at 9:36 AM
🛍️ As we head into the busiest shopping days of the festive season, don’t be that person!
🧘♀️Keep calm and respect retail workers.
🙏 It costs nothing to be nice.
🧘♀️Keep calm and respect retail workers.
🙏 It costs nothing to be nice.
More than 3,400 have already added their voice to the government consultation on your right to request remote working.
You can too: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
You can too: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
November 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM
More than 3,400 have already added their voice to the government consultation on your right to request remote working.
You can too: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
You can too: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Reposted by Laura Bambrick
Minimum Wages: Directive put beyond all doubt by today’s ruling of the Court of Justice.
@estherlynch.bsky.social 📢 "this judgment confirms that the Minimum Wage Directive stands firm – the EU can and must act for fair wages."
@estherlynch.bsky.social 📢 "this judgment confirms that the Minimum Wage Directive stands firm – the EU can and must act for fair wages."
November 11, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Minimum Wages: Directive put beyond all doubt by today’s ruling of the Court of Justice.
@estherlynch.bsky.social 📢 "this judgment confirms that the Minimum Wage Directive stands firm – the EU can and must act for fair wages."
@estherlynch.bsky.social 📢 "this judgment confirms that the Minimum Wage Directive stands firm – the EU can and must act for fair wages."
🙏 Please help a young scientist competition entrant.
📝 If you're a trade union member, take 5 minutes to complete a survey on your pension and retirement expectations.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
📝 If you're a trade union member, take 5 minutes to complete a survey on your pension and retirement expectations.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Questionnaire of workplace pension and retirement expectations
Hi guys, this is a questionnaire of workplace pension and your retirement expectations. I am a 5th Year student, and the data collected will be used exclusively for my academic project (no commercial ...
docs.google.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:10 PM
🙏 Please help a young scientist competition entrant.
📝 If you're a trade union member, take 5 minutes to complete a survey on your pension and retirement expectations.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
📝 If you're a trade union member, take 5 minutes to complete a survey on your pension and retirement expectations.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
📣Calling all union reps & staff
Will you be able to answer your members’ questions when the first auto-enrolment contributions are deducted from 800,000 pay packets in January?
Fear not! ICTU has you covered.
Auto-Enrolment Ask Me Anything. 23rd October.
Sign up✍️
Will you be able to answer your members’ questions when the first auto-enrolment contributions are deducted from 800,000 pay packets in January?
Fear not! ICTU has you covered.
Auto-Enrolment Ask Me Anything. 23rd October.
Sign up✍️
September 9, 2025 at 5:22 PM
📣Calling all union reps & staff
Will you be able to answer your members’ questions when the first auto-enrolment contributions are deducted from 800,000 pay packets in January?
Fear not! ICTU has you covered.
Auto-Enrolment Ask Me Anything. 23rd October.
Sign up✍️
Will you be able to answer your members’ questions when the first auto-enrolment contributions are deducted from 800,000 pay packets in January?
Fear not! ICTU has you covered.
Auto-Enrolment Ask Me Anything. 23rd October.
Sign up✍️
Reposted by Laura Bambrick
Maeve Richardson, Digital Organiser at FSU, who participated with @drbambrick.bsky.social, Social Policy at ICTU, and Bryan O’Mahony, President of USI/Amle, in the @forsatradeunion.bsky.social Youth Conference in @tcddublin.bsky.social on Friday
Support the respectatwork.ie petition
Support the respectatwork.ie petition
September 8, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Maeve Richardson, Digital Organiser at FSU, who participated with @drbambrick.bsky.social, Social Policy at ICTU, and Bryan O’Mahony, President of USI/Amle, in the @forsatradeunion.bsky.social Youth Conference in @tcddublin.bsky.social on Friday
Support the respectatwork.ie petition
Support the respectatwork.ie petition
High minimum wage? (No) Generous welfare payments? (No) A canary in the coal mine? (Too soon to say) I’ve some words here on the 4,500 jump in the monthly youth unemployment rate in yesterday’s CSO estimates. jrnl.ie/6785620
Concern as number of unemployed young people jumped by a percentage point in just one month
Approximately one in eight people between 15 and 24 who are eligible to work are unemployed.
jrnl.ie
August 8, 2025 at 5:14 PM
High minimum wage? (No) Generous welfare payments? (No) A canary in the coal mine? (Too soon to say) I’ve some words here on the 4,500 jump in the monthly youth unemployment rate in yesterday’s CSO estimates. jrnl.ie/6785620
12 weeks.
Monday 27 October.
When the next bank holiday is.
The biggest gap between two long weekends.
Monday 27 October.
When the next bank holiday is.
The biggest gap between two long weekends.
August 5, 2025 at 7:40 AM
12 weeks.
Monday 27 October.
When the next bank holiday is.
The biggest gap between two long weekends.
Monday 27 October.
When the next bank holiday is.
The biggest gap between two long weekends.
866,874 of beneficiaries were aged over 66 and 1,288,428 were aged under 18 (61% of the 3.5m total beneficiaries of social protection in 2024).
Some 2.4m people were receiving social protection payments last year
Some 2.4m people were receiving social protection payments last year
Social welfare payments are spiralling - from €19.9 billion in 2015 to €27 billion a decade later
www.irishtimes.com
July 11, 2025 at 7:52 AM
866,874 of beneficiaries were aged over 66 and 1,288,428 were aged under 18 (61% of the 3.5m total beneficiaries of social protection in 2024).
I spoke to the Indo about a motion passed at our conference for a firefighters union’s Fight for 52 (52 weeks full pay for employees on maternity leave) to be ICTU policy.
Enough pearl-clutching about falling fertility. Get mad at the financial penalty on working families and join our Fight for 52!
Enough pearl-clutching about falling fertility. Get mad at the financial penalty on working families and join our Fight for 52!
July 5, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I spoke to the Indo about a motion passed at our conference for a firefighters union’s Fight for 52 (52 weeks full pay for employees on maternity leave) to be ICTU policy.
Enough pearl-clutching about falling fertility. Get mad at the financial penalty on working families and join our Fight for 52!
Enough pearl-clutching about falling fertility. Get mad at the financial penalty on working families and join our Fight for 52!