Month: June 2014

  • An Unfair Dismissal Cock Up That Will Inevitably Cost the Employer

    A young man, worried about losing his job, contacted me this week. He only has about 11 months service in the job and was concerned that the employer was getting ready to dismiss him before he had the necessary 12 months service for the protection of unfair dismissal legislation. Let me explain. In order to…

  • How to Deal with Intoxicants at Work-Do You Need an Intoxicants Policy?

    There is no requirement for employees to undergo testing for intoxicants under existing legislation- the SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK ACT 2005. Neither is there an obligation on employers to test employees for intoxicants. Section 13 (1) (c) provides for the making of regulations for the testing of employees: (c) if reasonably required by…

  • Young Persons in Employment in Ireland-7 Important Facts

    The law concerning young workers in employment in Ireland is set out in the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996. The Act aims to protect the health of young workers and to ensure a young person’s education is not put at risk during the school year. The Act provides: Rest intervals and working hours…

  • Fixed Term Contracts-The Facts You Should Know

    Fixed term employees are employed on the same type of contract-either a fixed term contract or a specified purpose contract. A fixed term contract is one where the end date of the contract is known at the outset whereas a specified purpose contract is one which terminates on the occurrence of a specific event or cessation of a…

  • Why You Should (Almost) Never Resign-Make Them Fire You

    Make them fire you. Don’t make it easy for them. Let me explain. If an employer dismisses you it must be a fair dismissal. And if you bring a case for unfair dismissal the employer will have to prove the dismissal was fair and justified. The burden of proof is on the employer. And it…