Miscarriage Leave in Ireland: What Employers Need to Know About the Proposed New Rights
A significant development in Irish employment law is set to introduce statutory paid leave for employees who experience early pregnancy loss. The proposed Pregnancy Loss Leave Bill aims to provide greater support for employees during a difficult and often overlooked period, while also creating new responsibilities for employers. The proposed legislation reflects a wider shift […]
Auto-Enrolment: The Opt Out Window is Now Open – What Employers Should Know
The next phase of Ireland’s Auto-Enrolment pension scheme has arrived. From this month, employees who were automatically enrolled when the scheme launched earlier this year can now choose to opt out during a two-month opt-out window. Since the scheme commenced, more than 800,000 workers have been enrolled, making Auto-Enrolment one of the biggest changes to […]
Retirement at 65? New Law Gives Employees the Right to Request Working until 66
From 29th of June 2026, a significant change to Irish employment law will come into effect that many employers may not yet be fully prepared for. The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 introduces new rights for employees who are contractually required to retire before reaching the State Pension age of 66. For employers with […]
Always On? Managing Out-of-Hours Contact with Employees
The way we work has changed dramatically in recent years. Smartphones, remote working, and instant messaging platforms have made it easier than ever to stay connected. While this flexibility can benefit both employers and employees, it has also blurred the boundaries between work and personal time. For many employees, a quick message after hours can […]
Probation Periods in Ireland: Getting It Right in 2026
Probation periods are a standard part of the employment relationship, giving employers an opportunity to assess a new hire’s suitability for the role. However, many employers assume that probation allows for easy termination without risk. In reality, probation must be managed carefully, with increasing scrutiny from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in recent years. There […]
Employee Awarded Over €44,000 After CCTV Complaint and Hours Reduction
A recent Workplace Relations Commission decision has highlighted the risks employers face when workplace concerns are not handled appropriately. A former employee of a Donegal-based company was awarded more than €44,000 after raising concerns about CCTV installation procedures and subsequently experiencing what the WRC found to be penalisation and constructive dismissal. CCTV Concerns and Protected […]
Immigration Permit Delays Continue to Impact Irish Employers in 2026
Ireland’s employment permit and immigration system continues to face significant delays in 2026, creating ongoing challenges for employers, employees, and businesses relying on international talent. While there have not been major legislative changes since the salary threshold increases introduced in March, processing backlogs and stricter application reviews are causing growing frustration across many sectors. Delays […]
Employee Paid €1.61 Per Hour: What This WRC Case Means for Employers in 2026
A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision has brought serious attention to worker exploitation in Ireland, after a restaurant operator in Dundalk was ordered to pay almost €80,000 in compensation to a former employee. The case highlights significant failures in wage compliance, working time obligations, and the treatment of vulnerable migrant workers. The Facts of […]
Closing the Gap: What Employers Need to Know About Gender Pay Gap Reporting
Gender pay gap (GPG) reporting has become a central feature of employment law in the Republic of Ireland, supporting the wider policy objective of tackling workplace equality. Introduced under the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021, the legal requirement for employers to publish pay gap data is intended to shine a light on the differences […]
Less Than 2 Months to Go: Are You Ready for Pay Transparency?
With the deadline of 7 June 2026 fast approaching, Ireland is preparing to introduce the EU Pay Transparency Directive. This will be one of the most significant changes to employment law in recent years. While full implementation is expected to be phased, employers should not underestimate the impact this will have on recruitment, pay structures, […]