Terry Gorry Peter and Betty have a small business and never expected this. But they feel stressed and pressurised from a most unexpected source: their new employee. They have been in business for 17 years and never had any problems with staff. Yes, there was the occasional, infrequent dispute or argument but nothing that amounted to anything … Read more
The new banded hours legislation which came into effect on 4th March 2019, it is argued, appears to be having unforeseen, unintended consequences. Dr. Juliet McMahon, for example, argues in the Irish Times this week that “This advance may turn out to be a false dawn. Previous legislation proved toothless for zero-hours workers and this … Read more
One of the most annoying, frustrating individuals I frequently encounter is the well meaning, well intentioned supporter/friend/partner/spouse. He miraculously appears To know the law inside out To know all the facts and circumstances of the victim’s unfortunate experience in the workplace. He, and it’s nearly always a he (sorry lads), insists on answering all the … Read more
“Use it or lose it” is a policy adopted by a great number of employers in respect of annual leave. But are they legally entitled to do so? Two recent decisions from EU law clarifies the position. In Kreuziger v Land Berlin the employee, Mr. Kreuziger, a legal trainee, never took annual leave. When his … Read more
It has long been the case that at common law an employee could have her employment terminated for good reason, bad reason, or no reason. Any remedy then open to the employee would be a statutory claim-that is, a claim under unfair dismissal legislation such as the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977. But once the employer … Read more