Irish HR and Employment Law Developments

President Donald Trump issued executive orders rolling back DEI efforts across the US, which contributed to job cuts in the public sector and prompted some companies to reconsider their diversity policies. Major corporations - including Meta, McDonald's, and Bank of America - have adjusted their DEI strategies, scaling back public diversity targets and shifting towards ‘merit-based' hiring practices.If research found diverse teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets, why is opposition to DEI increasing?  Could this signal a shift for businesses in Ireland as well? With global organisations reassessing their commitments, HR leaders in Ireland face key questions:•    Does a strong DEI strategy drive business results, or is it just an added expense?•    How might changing global trends affect Irish workplace policies and expectations?•    Should businesses double down on inclusion or take a more measured approach?Julie Holmes from Legal Island and industry experts examine whether businesses should sustain, reshape, or scale back their DEI commitments in response to shifting global trends - and what this means for HR leaders in Ireland. 

Bullying and harassment remain pressing issues in Ireland, with nearly 1 in 3 workers experiencing them firsthand according to Matrix Recruitment's recent study: Workplace Equality Report. Despite complaints being raised to HR or senior leaders, only 20% felt they were resolved promptly and discreetly. This begs the question, are the current Codes of Practice enough?Laura McKee, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island is joined by Bernadette Daly, Partner, CC Solicitors and Dr Gerry McMahon, (MD at Productive Personnel Ltd.) as they unpack key cases, share legal insights, and explore practical strategies to foster respectful workplaces.

Ever wondered why your top talent is heading for the exit? The answer might be closer than you think. Our webinar uncovers the pitfalls of 'accidental managers'—those well-meaning but undertrained leaders who are costing your organisation its best people. Fortune magazine reported 66% of managers are defined as ‘accidental managers' and in this webinar, Caroline Reidy of the HR Suite and Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner at Legal Island, uncover why undertrained managers are driving nearly a third of your workforce out the door. They look at:Impact of accidental managers on their teams and company cultureKey challenges accidental managers face in leadership rolesHR's role in ensuring long-term leadership success

As HR professionals, ensuring an inclusive and supportive workplace is a fundamental responsibility. A recent Irish survey conducted by Red C on behalf of Bank of Ireland revealed that almost 1 in 10 adults in Ireland identify as neurodivergent, yet only half of neurodivergent employees have disclosed their condition to their employer. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how the human brain works and processes information, leading to diverse behavioural traits and interactions in the workplace. Despite this, many organisations overlook the importance of raising awareness about neurodiversity and fostering neuroinclusion.In this webinar, Declan MacQuillan, Senior Associate from Arthur Cox joins Victoria Smith from Legal Island to discuss the significance of neurodiversity in the workplace. Declan outlines the practicalities and provides his legal insights to help you:Understand your legal responsibilities under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and how to avoid discrimination claims.Review case law examples of how some organisations mishandled their neurodivergent staff, and what we can learn from these mistakes.Outline best practices in supporting and empowering your neurodivergent employees.Victoria also discusses with Emma what HR can and should be doing to promote neuroinclusion.

As HR professionals, safeguarding the well-being of our employees is a paramount responsibility. Unfortunately, domestic abuse is an issue that affects many; in 2023, more than 54,000 domestic abuse complaints were made to An Garda Síochána, marking an 8% rise compared to the previous year. Domestic abuse and its repercussions often extend into the workplace, impacting productivity, morale, and overall health. It is essential HR makes a positive impact by fostering a supportive workplace culture to those affected.In this webinar, Emma Quinn from Eversheds Sutherland firm joins Victoria Smith from Legal Island to discuss this topic. Emma sets out the practicalities and provides her legal insights to help you:• Gain practical strategies to support employees dealing with domestic abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being at work.• Know your legal responsibilities under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act by providing Statutory Domestic Violence Leave for staff.

Duncan Inverarity of A&L Goodbody LLP and Legal Island's Victoria Smith give you a sneak preview of the issues you need to be aware of to future-proof your organisation.Duncan provides his expert insights on what legal issues employers will need to deal with in 2024/25.We give you the inside scoop on the Annual Review and reveal some of the topics and experts who'll be joining us! But most importantly you'll gain insights into what's on the employment law horizon for Irish businesses.

Industry experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan from MCS, alongside Julie Holmes from Legal Island, explore the latest recruitment trends – and the path to building diverse, inclusive teams. While diversity is pivotal, it's just the beginning of the journey towards true inclusivity. Learn how to kickstart this journey by establishing a robust talent pipeline, then go further by fostering a positive workplace culture that embraces everyone. We'll equip you with strategies tailored for organisations of all sizes, empowering you to create inclusive dream teams that thrive. Get ready to be inspired by real-world examples that will fuel your drive to lead change and transform your workplace into a vibrant, inclusive environment.

1 in 5 workers in Ireland had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace according to a 2019 survey conducted by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). Many conveyed that they did not report these incidents due to fears of retaliation or job loss.  Similarly, the Workplace Relations Commission acknowledges there is an underreporting of incidents, with many employees citing that they distrust the reporting processes and fear of worsening their work situation as the main reasons for not coming forward.All this underscores a critical need that HR and business leaders need to step up and address this insidious problem to ensure there are effective workplace policies and support systems in place.Victoria Smith, Knowledge Partner and employment law expert, Ciara O'Kennedy, Partner at LK Shields Solicitors LLP, discuss:Detailed explanations of what constitutes sexual harassment under Irish law and how hostile work environments can allow inappropriate behaviour to happen.Look back at key legal precedents and case law in Ireland to learn from and protect both your staff and business.Outline the legal obligations of employers under Irish law.Discuss how employers can implement robust policies and training for all staff on sexual harassmentThis essential session, tailored for HR professionals, managers, and business leaders, delves into the legal, practical, and human aspects of addressing sexual harassment within the workplace.  We discuss recent legal developments and provide insights and tips on effective policies, best practice and how best to create awareness in the workplace regarding sexual harassment.  

In this insightful free webinar, delivered by the new CEO of included, Michelle Sequira, we'll be examining the pressing DEI challenges of 2024 and sharing the latest advice and guidance on actionable strategies to overcome them. "Beyond Barriers: Top DEI Challenges in 2024 and How to Solve Them," is designed for business leaders, HR professionals, and DEI advocates who are committed to creating more inclusive environments. Michelle will be tackling these core issues : Emerging Trends: What new DEI challenges are on the horizon as workplaces become increasingly more diverse and digital?Barrier Breakdown: Identifying systemic barriers that persist in organisations and innovative approaches to dismantle them.Actionable Solutions: Practical steps and best practices to enhance inclusivity and equity at every level of your organisation.Case Studies: Insights from leading companies that have successfully navigated complex DEI challenges.

Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite, and Julie Holmes from Legal Island, delve into the latest HR trends and developments specifically tailored for the Irish landscape.Are you ready to enhance your skills and tackle workplace investigations with confidence? In this webinar you'll gain insights into managing investigations in line with best practice. Discover how to streamline your approach and ensure fairness and compliance every step of the way. Learn first-hand from seasoned experts about the common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Don't risk costly mistakes – arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies to ensure your investigations are conducted seamlessly and effectively. 

Emer Murphy and Andrew Desmond from A&L Goodbody LLP and Julie Holmes from Legal Island, discuss practical advice to ensure GDPR compliance in your workplace. From data protection intricacies to implementing effective safeguards, our expert-led webinar will empower you with the knowledge needed to protect sensitive data.In this webinar, Emer, Andrew and Julie will discuss:How advances in technology can create positive and negative issues for businessesKey lessons and recommended actions for employers to prevent confidential information being compromisedHow employers can implement robust policies and training for all staff

Have you ever swiped on your social media to read a post that makes you squirm or cringe? What if it is connected to someone in your workplace? What if the post then goes viral?  You're not alone. In today's digital era, HR professionals and business leaders are often confronted with such challenging scenarios. Social media's impact is undeniable, both personally and professionally. But what happens when an employee's misguided post about their workplace or colleagues become a crisis? What if an employee, who has the statement ‘The opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own and do not represent the views or positions of my employer', still posts inappropriate content – can you take action? What crosses over from freedom of expression into potential disciplinary misconduct? Is an employer permitted to refer to external pressure in the disciplinary process? Explore the complex landscape of social media's influence on employer-employee dynamics with our engaging webinar, 'Social Media in the Workplace'.  Gain insights from leading case studies on the challenges employers face in managing online conduct both in and out of the workplace. Learn about the pivotal role of social media policies in mitigating legal and reputational risks, the nuances of handling disciplinary processes, and the importance of balancing employer rights with employee freedom of expression.  In this webinar, Victoria Smith, Knowledge Partner, is joined by employment law expert, Peter McInnes from McInnes Dunne Murphy LLP who will:  -Look back at case law to learn from and protect your business-Outline the key lessons and recommended actions for employers-Discuss how employers can implement robust policies and training for all staff on Social Media (both in and out of the workplace) 

Digital transformation expert Kieran Gilmurray shares the ten steps you need to take to implement AI successfully in your HR department and beyond. From setting clear business objectives to expanding AI into every relevant HR area and business role, and much more in between. 

Julie Holmes from Legal Island and Ryan Calvert, Head of Human Resources, Sales and Marketing Recruitment from MCS, provide an annual recruitment wrap-up, where Ryan delved into the latest recruitment trends in roles, pay and sector differentiators. Essential viewing to stay up-to-date with recruitment insights to gain a competitive edge in the talent market.By understanding the latest trends and best practices, employers can tailor their recruitment processes to streamline them, resulting in time and cost savings by automating repetitive tasks and improving the overall efficiency of the hiring process. Learn about techniques to create a positive impression on candidates, leading to better engagement and increased likelihood of successful hires. From emerging job profiles to salary shifts and sector-specific demands, our expert will equip you with the knowledge to stay ahead. 

In this month's webinar Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite, and Julie Holmes of Legal Island, discuss the crucial topic of employee wellbeing during the festive season including:Addressing challenging weather scenarios when they impact your workforceSupporting employees with sensitive issues like domestic violenceGet ready to expertly manage your company's Christmas celebrations, ensuring a memorable and trouble-free experience for all.

We explore the journey of the Adjudication Service of Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) since its establishment to now. Undoubtedly, the WRC has in the last 3 years gone through its most challenging period and is entering a new era in its adjudicative model. In this podcast, we directly from an Adjudication Officer on best practice for respondents who are coming before the WRC's Adjudication Service.How do respondents handle the changing landscape of the WRC's Adjudication Service?Laura McKee, Knowledge Partner at Legal Island, leads the discussion with our expert panel, Jennifer Cashman, Head of Employment at RDJ LLP, and David Small, Director of Adjudication Services at the WRC, in exploring where we are in 2023, and what it means for Irish employers.They share insights and practical tips on the following:1. Where are we two years on from the Zalewski Supreme Court decision? What employers, their representatives and witnesses must know about the impact of the Supreme Court ruling when preparing for a WRC hearing in 2023 and beyond.2. Getting the procedures right: Best practice for employers preparing and attending WRC hearing in 2023.3. Where does the Adjudication Service go from here? Can we expect more procedural changes and if so, how does a respondent handle that?

In this month's webinar with the HR Suite, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite provides insights on workplace investigations".When issues such as harassment, discrimination, misconduct, or conflicts arise, HR professionals must conduct thorough and unbiased investigations to address these matters appropriately. Investigators must employ critical thinking, ethical considerations, and effective communication skills to ensure fairness and accuracy throughout the investigative journey. Gain insights into conducting effective workplace investigations. An overview of best practices for handling sensitive issues, interviewing techniques, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring fair outcomes. Elevate your HR skills and contribute to a safer, more harmonious work environment by watching this informative session.

Do you believe that a workplace culture rooted in dignity and respect is the cornerstone of organisational success? In today's rapidly evolving world, nurturing an environment that fosters dignity and respect has never been more crucial. It not only empowers employees but also drives productivity, engagement, and innovation.Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner at Legal Island, and Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite explore the transformative power of fostering a positive and inclusive work environment and how you can create a culture that uplifts employees, empowers teams, and fosters a sense of belonging.Here are some key points explored:What strategies promote fairness, empathy, and equality across all levels of your organisation?How does respect foster collaboration, build strong relationships, and enhance productivity?What are the best practices for attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse talent pool?Gain actionable insights on how to establish a respectful workplace culture that inspires individuals to reach their full potential.An organisation built on dignity and respect is not just a workplace; it's a community where individuals thrive and organisations flourish. Together, let's redefine workplace culture!

Do you think a WRC discrimination claim won't happen to your organisation? If it does, are you prepared?According to the 2023 Workplace Equality Survey, by Matrix Recruitment, a staggering one in five have said they have both witnessed and been a victim of discrimination in the workplace.Nearly 500 employment equality complaints were received by the WRC in the first half of 2023, with disability, gender and race making up the bulk of complaints. And did you know that the majority of claims before the WRC are now held in public with names of both employers and employees published?On top of this, the WRC can award significant compensation for employees who have been discriminated in the workplace – with some recent cases awarding up to €100,000!At Legal Island, we believe that prevention is always better than the cure.In this webinar, Laura McKee, Knowledge Partner is joined by employment law expert, Ciarán Ahern, Partner at McInnes Dunne Murphy LLP who:• Provides a short discussion on the top employment discrimination cases this year• Outlines the key lessons and recommended actions for employers• Discusses how employers can implement robust policies and training for all staff on Diversity and Inclusion and hear how Legal Island can support you on this journey.

Absence Management and the Introduction of SSP with The HR SuiteLegal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

Join Rolanda Markey and HR & Employment Law expert Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite as they discuss your employment law queries. In this podcast Caroline will discuss the current topical challenges being encountered in complying with the Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work.Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

In this month's webinar Caroline Reidy, of the HR Suite will discuss some key learning points for employers arising from recent case law decisions.  Caroline will focus on matters relating to equality, unfair dismissal, dignity and respect and fair processes.  Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

In the second instalment of a series of webinars discussing comparative laws on the island of Ireland and GB, Lewis Silkin and Legal Island will discuss equality laws in GB, NI and ROI including:An analysis of the types of discrimination claims across GB, NI and ROI – what are the trends or similarities?The gulf between equality laws in GB and NI has widened since the introduction of the GB Equality Act. What are the key need to knows about the inconsistencies? What are the key differences in ROI equality law?New areas including the menopause, long covid, gender, philosophical belief, social mobility, accent and language are impacting the equality landscape. What are the current reforms in GB, NI and ROI equality law and what changes on the horizon should we prepare for?Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

Grab your lunch and join Rolanda Markey, Learning and Development Team at Legal Island and Ryan Calvert, Manager of HR Recruitment for UK and Ireland, as they discuss the key trends emerging in HR recruitment.Ryan serves up some digestible golden nuggets of information and guidance that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed!MCS Help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high-performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to mcsgroup.jobs to see their latest roles. 

The Right to Request Remote Work Bill 2021 was introduced by the Government in January and will set out a legal framework whereby an employer can either approve or reject a request to work remotely from an employee. It also lays out 13 reasons why employers can refuse to approve a request for remote working.  In this webinar, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite discusses the preparations an employer should make to prepare for a request for remote working and considers what employers should do to facilitate hybrid working arrangements. Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

In this month's webinar with the HR Suite, Caroline Reidy will address the key considerations that you need to be aware of in preparation for a hearing at the Workplace Relations Commission.This session will include the preparation of the submission, defending the case and understanding the format.Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) recently published two new codes of practice – the Code of Practice on Equal Pay and the Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment and Harassment at WorkIn this webinar, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite considers what these codes mean for employers and what actions they should take to ensure compliance with the codes.Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

Legal Island's Comparative Employment Law Table has been updated and expanded to include recent Republic of Ireland developments (of which there are many). Ciara Fulton of Lewis Silkin joins Legal Island's Rolanda Markey to take a deep dive into the Table and discuss new ways of working and family-related rights in GB, NI and Ireland including:Ireland is tackling work-life balance and remote working head on – what does this mean for employers in Ireland? GB doesn't need to implement EU Directives following Brexit but has already promised to match the new rights for carers in the Work-life Balance Directive. How will NI be affected considering its unique position post-Brexit? Will NI follow GB, Ireland or set its own course?Flexible working rights in GB are to be extended – who, why, what and when? And what about the right to request flexible working in Ireland and NI?Parental bereavement leave in NI – What does this mean for NI organisations and what will the consultation on extending the Regulations bring? What are the similarities and differences between GB, NI and Ireland on this important topic?Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

In this webinar Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of the HR Suite outlines the importance of having an awareness of the impact that menopause can have on females, and creating a culture of support and understanding on the subject of menopause. Caroline also outlines the importance of having a policy on menopause.   Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

Duncan Inverarity, Head of Employment, A&L Goodbody, was a massive hit at our Annual Reviews of Employment Law in November. In this webinar, Duncan revises what he considers to be the top employment cases of the last year (including any post-November 2021) and sets out learning points and takeaway actions to put into practice.Join Duncan and Scott Alexander from Legal Island as they discuss the top cases and why they are important to employers in Ireland. Duncan will set out the factual background, what the relevant court decided and what this means from a practical perspective for employers.Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

In this first webinar of 2022, Caroline Reidy of the HR Suite will discuss good practice in managing probationary periods and performance with Legal Island's Rolanda Markey. Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

Jennifer Cashman, Partner and Practice Group Leader at Ronan Daly Jermyn is our keynote speaker at Legal Island's Annual Review of Employment Law.  In this webinar she will be covering key new developments since November and focus on upcoming developments in employment law including:The Transparency at Work Directive Introduction of a Statutory Right to Request Remote Work and the National Remote Working Strategy Gender Pay Gap  Consultation on the Review of the Equality Acts Listen to her summarise the law and advise on remedial actions.Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

In this month's webinar, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite and HR and Employment Law Expert will discuss the contents of the recently published Sick Leave Bill 2021 and outline what this will mean for HR professionals, as well as discuss Christmas party considerations for employers in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.Legal Island's webinars and podcasts are sponsored by MCS Group, MCS help people find careers that match their skill sets perfectly, as well as supporting employers to build high performing businesses by connecting them with the most talented candidates in the market. If you are interested in finding out how MCS can help you, head to www.mcsgroup.jobs. 

In this month's podcast, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite and HR and Employment Law Expert, will outline how to deal with allegations of bullying in the workplace.

Stephen Frost examines three major D&I opportunities to arise since the Covid outbreak and their importance for the workplace.Stephen Frost of Included is one of the UK's foremost D&I experts. He led the D&I initiatives at the London Olympics and Paralympics which are regarded as one of the most successful games in modern times.In this podcast (derived from the live webinar), Stephen reviews the most important developments for HR and D&I practitioners relevant to the world of work since January 2020, which can be pulled together into three main themes:New ways of working and the impact on different minority groups within the workforceEmployee activism in relation to mental health, LGBT+, global warming and moreThe importance of data for employees and prospective employees in relation to your D&I credentialsStephen's presentation was followed by a live Q&A session.

In this month's podcast, HR and employment law expert Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite, discusses the new right to request remote working.Caroline provides guidance for employers in considering requests from employees to work on a remote basis.

In this episode, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite, discusses dealing with performance issues.Caroline outlines the best practice for dealing with:Poor performance in new staffPoor performance in long-term staffPoor performance and difficult situations in a remote/hybrid backdrop

David McCarroll, Partner at Ronan Daly Jermyn discusses:The current status of Sectoral Employment OrdersCurrent and proposed employment protections for employees who blow the whistle under current Protected Disclosures law and the EU Directive set to be transposed in to Irish law this yearProof of Covid-19 Vaccination - to what extent, if any, can employers demand Covid vaccination proof to allow an employee to undertake a role

In this episode, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director at The HR Suite outlines the importance of having the proper foundations in place for discipline and grievance management including;Appropriate policesCorrect procedures and training to effectively management disciplinary and  grievance mattersAdherence to relevant Codes of PracticeConsideration of when suspension is appropriate

During this episode, Scott Alexander of Legal Island and Michelle Ryan, Senior Associate at RDJ, discuss the data protection implications of seeking information on an employee's covid-19 vaccination status in light of the proposed directive from the HSE that frontline health staff will have to indicate their vaccination status.  They also discuss the further extension to the suspension of Section 12a of the Redundancy Payments Act preventing employees who are laid off making a request for a redundancy payment. 

The government has committed to bringing statutory sick pay into legislation by the end of 2021. This will be a major change for Irish employers in terms of costs and absence management. The governments statutory sick pay scheme is due to be phased in over a 4-year period. It is hoped to begin with 3 paid sick days per year for each employee starting in 2022, rising to 5 days in 2023 and 7 days in 2024. It is hoped that employers will cover the cost of 10 sick days per year by 2025. The government intend to introduce a phased approach to allow employers to prepare and adjust for the scheme and its associated costs.In this podcast (extracted from a live webinar), Caroline Reidy discusses this new introduction and answers listeners questions live.

Q2 has marked a new chapter in life and work, with several steps forward. Coronavirus restrictions began easing, and the vaccination programme speeded up, just after a new official code of practice came into place on the right to disconnect from work.Around the same time, the Tánaiste also invited submissions on putting the right to seek remote working into law.In this context, Legal Island discuss what the next phase holds for employers, with a focus on work-life balance, particularly in relation to working families.Over the previous year, the pandemic had fundamentally transformed our work-life dynamic, further blurring the lines between work and family. The Department of Enterprise and Employment described both new public policy initiatives as part of Leo Varadkar's plan “to create more flexible family-friendly working arrangements, including working from home and working more flexible hours”.Learn what Ireland's leading employers are doing now, and next, to engage their workforces and enable work-life balance in a new hybrid working worldFocus in on how to help working parents and carers meet the novel challenges ahead as we move towards the summer, and then the Autumn.Identify the lessons worth keeping from how working parents and carers coped with periodic lockdowns, and the school-free world. What can employers continue to do to provide practical support with care.In this podcast, Legal Island is joined by Oliver Daniels, Client Services Manager and Oliver Black, Commercial Director, Bright Horizons to consider what it means to be a family-friendly employer in Ireland in – and after - the ‘Time of Covid' and in a new world of work-life balance.

In this podcast, Caroline Reidy, Managing Director of The HR Suite and HR and Employment Law Expert, outlines some tips for managing both short and long-term absence. This includes:Absence PolicyDealing with Long Term absenceDealing with sporadic Short-Term AbsenceReasonable Accommodation

In this podcast, Antoinette Vahey, Partner with RDJ discusses the following with Scott Alexander:WRC Adjudication Service – following the recent Supreme Court case of Zalewski -v- Adjudication Office & ors [2021] IESC 24 the WRC has made a number of changes to the operation of its Adjudication Service.  The impact of these changes for cases in the system and those going forward and how the WRC are likely to approach them will be reviewed.Redundancy/Collective redundancy – the inevitable removal of Government supports is likely to lead to an increase in the number of job losses as a result of redundancy.  This webinar will address issues such as consultation; redundancy while on lay-off; impact of closure of premises and relocations; impact of remote working, etc.Employees refusing to wearing face masks – giving rise to issues in the workplace and also under the Equal Status Act due to refused entry to services.

In this podcast, Caroline McEnery, Managing Director of The HR Suite and HR and Employment Law Expert, discusses the HR implications of the new code of practice on the right to disconnect. In particular, Caroline focuses on:The Organisation of Working Time Act and the right to disconnectDo policies need updated in light of this.Do HR staff need to coach managers to ensure compliance with the code.What about remote/agile workers and the right to disconnect.What about peaks and troughs in workload – are there exceptions for this.What if someone is happy to work extra hours or respond to emails outside normal hours.

In this recording, Legal Island's Rolanda Markey is joined by Caroline McEnery, Managing Director of The HR Suite and HR and employment law expert to discuss what the new unified bullying code of practice means for HR professionals. Topics include:Updating your policyConsidering your line managers roleDesignating Contact PeopleCommunication & roll out to staffQ&ADISCLAIMER:The information in this podcast is provided as part of Legal Island's Irish Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this podcast.

Legal Island's Rolanda Markey is joined by Caroline McEnery, Managing Director of The HR Suite and HR and employment law expert.In this podcast, Caroline discusses the management of probationary periods and the implications of recent case law. This includes consideration of the following questions:What should a probationary clause contain?How often should performance be assessed/discussed during probation?What happens if an employee is sick during a probationary period?Can we discipline an employee during a probationary period?What is good practice in managing probationary periods?Can probationary periods be shortened as well as lengthened?Dismissing during and after a probationary period.DISCLAIMER:The information in this podcast is provided as part of Legal Island's Irish Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this podcast.

In this brand new bi-monthly podcast from Legal Island and Ronan Daly Jermyn, Scott Alexander, Head of Learning and Development, discuss key employment law developments with the Partners in RDJ's Employment Team, including the effervescent Jennifer Cashman and her equally lively colleagues David McCarroll, Deirdre Malone, Antoinette Vahey and Michelle Ryan.Our lead panellist in this first session is David McCarroll, who is based in RDJ's Galway office.David and Scott discuss…An employer's statutory defence against bullying and/or harassment claims - what is this and when might an employer rely on it?The difference between good/strong performance management and bullying under the new unified Code of Practice?If complaints are made to the WRC, what important factors do employers need to know about remote hearings?DISCLAIMER:The information in this podcast is provided as part of Legal Island's Irish Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this podcast.

Duncan Inverarity, Head of A&L Goodbody's Employment Law Group, discusses the background to, and implications of the recent Court of Appeal decision in the case of Donal O'Donovan v Over-C Technology Limited and Over-C Limited [2021] IECA 37 for probationary clauses and practice.DISCLAIMER:The information in this podcast is provided as part of Legal Island's Irish Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this podcast.

The subject of performance conversations never goes away for employers or HR professionals. It has been to the fore in this last year. Assuming our speaker is correct, how can you ensure your top performing Millennial employees remain top performers or get back to performing at their best, where they may have slipped or become demotivated, particularly when working from home and without obvious peer support in the next office?Performance conversations are vital retention and motivational tools, regardless of the actual performance: poor performers are generally a drain on others until they are managed out, and top performers leave, unless managers show appreciation. And it's not just a question of managerial capability – you need to equip them with the information and techniques that will enable managers to be confident that their conversations are not built on sand. And, just to make matters slightly more fraught, they are almost all done by video.Michelle Halloran, Director, Human Resource Management Services sets out options for creative performance discussions and techniques that allow your managers to motivate staff, particularly those that should be top performers, in the areas of resilience, creativity and adaptability, whilst working remotely.DISCLAIMER:The information in this podcast is provided as part of Legal Island's Irish Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this podcast.

Kevin Empey of WorkMatters shares his experience of helping organisations to shape their ‘Future of Work' models for the more blended, post-Covid world of work we are all facing. While it will be some months before most employers open up their workplace to all employees, planning has already commenced in shaping what the new, blended world of work will look like and how it will be delivered. Over the past year, WorkMatters has been supporting organisations work through and plan what their “Future of Work” will look like in reality and what is needed to prepare their organisations, leaders and employees. During the session they share the lessons learned from this work and also what you can do over the coming months to shape a safe, productive and engaging work model and environment for the future. Hear what others have done and are doing to shape the future of work – and how Agility will be a critical capability at organisational and individual level into the future.  DISCLAIMER:The information in this podcast is provided as part of Legal Island's Irish Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this podcast.