Shop worker with a tablet in a fruit and vegetable store

Employment law.

For employers, the paperwork done right so a problem later is manageable. For employees, a clear view of your rights before you sign, resign or raise a grievance. Most employment disputes in Ireland go to the Workplace Relations Commission, not the courts.

Talk to us about a workplace issue↗ Check a WRC deadline↗

At a glance

Where disputes goWorkplace Relations Commission

Time limitSix months from the event, twelve for reasonable cause

Written termsCore terms due within five days of starting

Who we act forEmployers and employees

We do not act for both sides of the same dispute. If your employer has already instructed us, we will tell you straight away.

For employers

The documents that keep a small business out of trouble.

Most WRC claims against small employers are won or lost on paperwork that should have existed from day one.

Contracts of employment

The written statement of core terms is a legal requirement, not a formality. We draft contracts that cover probation, hours, pay, notice and confidentiality in plain language.

A staff handbook

Grievance, disciplinary, dignity at work, leave and remote working policies. Having a fair procedure written down is the first thing the WRC asks for.

Disciplinary process

Before any warning or dismissal, the employee must know the allegation, see the evidence, have a chance to respond and be allowed representation. We walk you through each step.

Redundancy

Genuine redundancy, fair selection, consultation and the statutory payment. Getting the order right matters as much as the numbers.

Protected leave

Maternity, paternity, parent's, carer's and sick leave each have their own rules. We keep your policies current when the law changes, which is often.

When a claim arrives

A WRC complaint form has a short response window. We prepare the submission, gather the documents and represent you at the hearing.

Common questions

The things people ring us about first.

I have been dismissed. How long do I have

Six months from the date of dismissal to lodge a WRC complaint, extendable to twelve only for reasonable cause. Ring us early.

Do I need a year's service

For unfair dismissal, generally yes, twelve months. There are exceptions, including dismissal for pregnancy, trade union membership or making a protected disclosure.

Can I be let go on probation

Yes, with proper notice and fair treatment, but the exceptions above still apply and the WRC can look at how it was done.

What can the WRC award

Up to two years' pay for unfair dismissal, reinstatement in rare cases, and set amounts for breaches of working time, pay and leave rights.

Is a settlement agreement binding

If you had independent legal advice and it is properly drafted, yes. Do not sign one in the room. Take it away and ring us.

Bring this to a first meeting

Your contract, any handbook, the letters or emails about the issue, recent payslips and a short timeline of what happened. Rough is fine.

Make an appointment

Before you ring

Two things you can check tonight.

Checker