Fewer students and other youngsters have taken on a holiday job this summer, according to research by the youth wing of the FNV trade union federation.

The survey found 71% of youngsters have a holiday job this year, compared with 77% in 2015. One reason may be that pay rates are going down, the FNV said. In 2013, the average pay was almost €8 a hour but this has now gone down to just under €7.

Working in the catering sector is the most popular holiday job, even though it pays less than many others, at just under €6 an hour.