As Election 2016 enters into full swing and as each party vies for your vote, it is clear that the economy and job creation is a central theme for all political parties. Following the publication of their manifestos we have put together an outline of what Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin have to say about changes they will make to employment law and its effect on businesses.
While each party is advancing very different policies in relation to taxation of both the employer and employee, somewhat surprisingly, there is some consistency in relation to employment law topics. For example, each party is pledging to increase the national minimum wage or to introduce a new "living wage" in the public sector. Pensions and maternity benefit is also common ground for each party, albeit with different proposals being suggested.
However, on some topics, there are stark differences, such as Sinn Féin indicating that it would amend industrial relations legislation to provide for mandatory trade union recognition and collective bargaining rights. While we appear to be heading towards another coalition government, there is no doubt that middle ground will eventually have to be found on all these topics when deciding on future government policy.
Click here to see our full analysis of GE16 implications for Irish employment law
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