Codes of practice developed by the Labour Relations Commission do not have the force of law. They are guides as to implementing codes of good practice in the workplace.
However, they can be taken into account if a case is before various tribunals such as the Labour Court, the Employment Appeals Tribunal, and the Equality Tribunal and if an employer can show that he has implemented a code of practice in a particular area of employment then he will be in a stronger position to defend a claim against him.
So, if you are an employer they provide you with a good, sound framework in a particular area, for example in dealing with grievances and disciplinary problems.
And they’re free.
The codes of practice include:
1. Dispute procedures, including procedures in essential services
2. Voluntary dispute resolution
4. Grievance and disciplinary procedures
5. Duties and responsibilities of employee representatives
6. Anti bullying procedures (See also Health and Safety Authority guide on bullying policies in the workplace)
7. Sunday working in the retail trade
9. Voluntary dispute resolution
12. Protecting people working in other peoples’ homes
13.. Harassment code of practice, 2012 (SI 208 of 2012)
Non LRC Codes of Practice/Guidance Notes
Code of practice to determine employee or self employed status
If you are an employer and wish to put proper procedures and policies in place in your workshop you might be interested in our employment law/HR services for employers.