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21.12.2017

Case Review: Dismissal under Dignity at Work Policy Upheld by the WRC

Summary of the Respondent’s Case A complaint was raised to the respondent regarding a breach of the company’s Dignity & Respect at Work policy. Training had been provided to all employees on the policy. Following an investigation and formal disciplinary, the complainant was dismissed by way of a letter for gross misconduct. The respondent stated...

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21.12.2017

National Minimum Wage Increase 2018

From 1st January 2018, The Minimum Wage in Ireland is set to increase to €9.55 an hour. This is a 30cent increase from the previous National Minimum Wage, which was €9.25.   The national minimum wage is governed by the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000. The minimum wage applies to all workers except certain apprentices...

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20.12.2017

Question of the Month – “What Do I Do If My Staff Say They Cannot Come to Work Due to Inclement Weather?”

During the winter months, employees may contact their employer to state that snow, ice or serious flooding will prevent their attendance at work. This could be the result of road closures, dangerous road conditions, or cancellation of public transport services due to the prevailing weather conditions. During severe weather, employees have no automatic right in...

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05.12.2017

Doctor Successfully Granted High Court Injunction Preventing His Employer from Enforcing Mandatory Retirement

At present, there is no compulsory retirement age in Ireland. The Employment Equality (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2015 does, however, allow for employers to set mandatory retirement ages. In order for an employer to have a mandatory retirement policy, they must be able to objectively justify the need for the retirement age policy. It is vital...

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04.12.2017

Construction Sector SEO

  SI No 455 of 2017 Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2017 was signed into law on 19th October 2017, by Minister Pat Breen. The order sets out the statutory minimum pay, pension and sick pay entitlements for craftsmen, construction operatives and apprentices employed in the Construction Sector. It is the first Sectoral Employment Order...

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01.12.2017

How Can Employers Attract New Talent?

2018 will see a shift in Ireland’s economy due to rapid economic growth. With unemployment rates expected to drop to 5%, the balance of power within the market is shifting in favour of employees, giving them increased power to pick and choose who they want to work for. It will be essential for employers to...

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22.11.2017

Mediation Act 2017

The Mediation Act 2017 was enacted in October 2017. The Act is to be used to solve disputes through mediation rather than through the Courts. Mediation is a process whereby the parties to a dispute, in the presence of a third party mediator, meet to discuss, negotiate and hopefully settle upon an agreement. This is...

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03.11.2017

Change of Minister Who Needs to be Notified of Collective Redundancy

  As per section 12 of The Protection of Employment Act 1977, employers are obliged to notify the Minister during a collective redundancy. The notification must take place at the earliest possible opportunity and at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.   Since 1st September 2017, the notification for collective redundancies should...

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02.11.2017

Mothers of Premature Babies to Be Given Extended Maternity Leave

  The Government have announced that mothers of premature babies will receive additional maternity leave from 1st October 2017. Maternity leave is governed by the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 – 2004. At present, a pregnant employee is entitled to a basic entitlement of 26 weeks maternity leave, known as ordinary maternity leave, as well as...

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27.10.2017

WRC Inspections – What Employers Need to Know

  Over the last number of months, there has been a rise in inspections by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Many inspections are to ensure compliance with immigration requirements along with overall compliance with employment legislation.   The primary function of the WRC is to inform employers and employees of their respective responsibilities and entitlements....

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