Ireland: Employee Rights/ Labour Relations

It may come to light that an employee who once had the right to work in Ireland may no longer have such permission. For example, they may have forgotten to apply for a renewal of their immigration permission before it expired or they may not be able to provide evidence of their immigration status during a repeat right to work check. These scenarios may produce a heart-in-mouth moment for a manager or HR.

Irish employers are increasingly exploring the 'PIP or Go' model as an alternative to traditional performance management processes, offering underperforming employees a choice between entering a formal performance improvement plan or accepting an exit package. While this approach can expedite internal processes and reduce administrative burden, it carries significant legal risks including constructive dismissal claims, discrimination allegations, and potential challenges to subsequent dismissal procedures.

Employment law and immigration law intersect with discrimination protections in complex ways, particularly around right to work requirements and recruitment policies. This article examines how Irish employers can navigate these overlapping legal frameworks while managing the practical challenges of hiring non-EEA nationals who require employment permits.

The Pensions Authority has released its 2025 supervisory findings, revealing critical governance gaps that trustees must address before the upcoming scheme authorisation regime. With master trusts facing authorisation in 2027, followed by DC schemes in 2028 and DB schemes in 2029, the report's expectations around documentation, risk management, and active oversight will directly inform authorisation standards.

Understanding the Workplace Relations Commission adjudication process is crucial for both employers and employees navigating employment disputes in Ireland. This guide walks through each stage of the WRC process, from the initial complaint submission through mediation, the formal hearing, and potential appeals. Learn what to expect at each step and how to effectively prepare for an adjudication hearing.

Irish employment law includes a comprehensive framework of protected leave entitlements that employers must navigate carefully to maintain compliance. Understanding the distinctions between maternity, paternity, parental, sick leave, and other statutory leave categories is essential for HR professionals and business leaders. This guide breaks down the key requirements and employment protections that apply across all leave types in Ireland.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970) (the “Directive”) is required to be transposed into Irish law by 7 June 2026.

The CJEU's recent judgment in Locatrans Sàrl v ES [2025] clarifies how courts must determine which country's mandatory employment laws apply when employees work across multiple jurisdictions.

Significant changes to Ireland’s employment law landscape are approaching, with new transparency, pension and equality obligations set to materially increase compliance and litigation risk for employers.