Introduction to Employment Law in Ireland

• The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2021 prohibits discrimination based on gender, age, disability, race and other characteristics.
• The Unfair Dismissals Act 1977-2015 protects against unfair dismissal and sets out the fair procedures employers must follow when terminating employment.
• The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 is the legislation on working time, rest breaks, and holiday leave to improve working conditions.
• The Minimum Wage Acts 2000-2018 fix the national minimum wage and other related matters.
• The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 obliges employers to provide employees with a safe and healthy working environment.

What is considered a fair dismissal?

A dismissal is deemed fair to proper reasons such as capability, conduct, redundancy, or other similar reasons, and the proper procedures, including notice and the right of appeal, have been followed.

What effects does the new law have on employment and new work arrangements?

Since the increase of remote and flexible work, employers must update their workplace policies to conform to employment laws, especially on issues of working hours, health and safety and employees’ rights.

What are the available dispute resolution options?

Industrial relations disputes can be settled through workplace grievance procedures, mediation, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), and, if failed, the Labour Court or other courts.