Posted: December 17, 2025

For many construction and engineering professionals, December is when annual leave really comes into focus. Whether you are using remaining days before year end or thinking about a job move in the New Year, leave entitlement is often one of the first questions candidates ask us.

At Sonas Technical, we discuss annual leave packages with candidates every day across site, engineering, QS and project management roles. While salary still matters, time off is increasingly influencing decisions, particularly for experienced professionals.

So, what is considered normal in Ireland’s construction and engineering sector right now?

What Is the Legal Minimum?

In Ireland, the statutory minimum annual leave entitlement is 20 days per year, excluding public holidays.
This applies regardless of seniority, discipline or sector.

However, very few professional construction roles now offer only the legal minimum.

Is 24 Days Becoming the Standard in the Private Sector?

Across the private sector roles we recruit for, 24 days annual leave is now the most common offering for permanent construction and engineering professionals.

This is particularly consistent across:

  • Site Engineers
  • Quantity Surveyors
  • Project Managers
  • Design Engineers
  • Senior Site and Construction Managers

For many employers, 24 days is positioned as a baseline, with additional leave offered for seniority or long service.

How Does the Public Sector Compare?

Public sector construction and engineering roles often come with more generous annual leave entitlements, particularly as service increases.

Based on current public sector frameworks in Ireland:

  • Annual leave typically starts between 20 and 25 days for new entrants, depending on grade
  • Entitlement increases with service, often reaching 28 to 30 days after five to ten years
  • For many recent hires, annual leave is capped at 30 days

These figures include both statutory leave, which is a minimum of 20 days, and non statutory days negotiated through union agreements.

For example:

  • Administrative Officer grades often start at around 25 days, increasing to 29 or 30 days with service
  • Clerical Officer grades typically start at 22 days, rising to 24 days over time

For candidates comparing public and private sector roles, annual leave is one of the areas where the public sector can offer a clear advantage, particularly for those prioritising long term work life balance.

Who Is Offering More Than 24 Days in the Private Sector?

Some private sector employers go beyond the standard offering, particularly when competing for experienced or hard to source talent.

We regularly see:

  • 25 to 27 days for senior management or specialist roles
  • Additional days after two to five years of service
  • Buy and sell leave schemes in larger organisations
  • Extra leave offered in place of higher salary where budgets are limited

These packages are most common among larger contractors, multinational consultancies and firms with strong retention strategies.

Is Annual Leave Negotiable?

Yes, in many cases it is.

Candidates are often surprised by how open employers can be to discussion, particularly if:

  • You are moving with strong experience
  • The role is difficult to fill
  • Salary flexibility is limited
  • You are choosing between multiple offers

Annual leave is sometimes easier for employers to adjust than base salary.

What Should You Ask Before Accepting an Offer?

Before accepting a role, it is worth clarifying:

  • Does the leave entitlement include public holidays?
  • Are Christmas shutdown days included or additional?
  • Is leave pro rata in the first year?
  • Are carryover days allowed?

These details can significantly affect the real value of the package.

Thinking About a Move in the New Year?

December is often when candidates start planning their next step. Understanding what is normal across both the private and public sectors helps you assess offers properly and negotiate with confidence.

If you are reviewing an offer or considering a move in early 2026, the Sonas Technical team can give clear insight into what employers are offering right now across Ireland.