Employment Law Services for Small and Medium Irish Employers

Avoid costly and time consuming claims from employees

Are you an employer? Or a HR professional?

Worried about successful claims against you?

You know yourself there is a large body of employment law in Ireland. And you could not be blamed for thinking it’s loaded in favour of the employee.

You are fair game for many types of claims:

• unfair dismissal,
• breach of contract,
• personal injury,
• stress,
• bullying,
• holiday pay,
• discrimination,
• equality,
• redundancy
• working time
• rest breaks
• minimum wage
• temporary agency worker
• TUPE
• data protection breaches
• and more.

NERA inspections also cause grave concern for employers.

And if they are not dealt with properly you can find yourself facing a criminal prosecution in either the District or Circuit court.

There are times, too, when you have to discipline an employee.

If you get this wrong you can leave yourself open to a claim for constructive dismissal or breach of contract, or unfair dismissal.

Do you encounter the problems of absenteeism and absence through illness? These are also areas that need careful managing.

Did you know that amounts of compensation awarded to employees have increased significantly in the last few years?

From an average of €11,500 in 2008 to €16,000 in 2010 to €18,047 in 2011 (source: Employment Appeals Tribunal Annual Reports).

However, things are not quite as loaded against you as you may think, provided you ensure your house is in order with some basic housekeeping in terms of employment law.

For example, ensuring your employees have all been given contracts of employment. This is a legal obligation.

Also, even though a staff handbook is not a legal requirement, it is just a good idea.

Why? Because it will strengthen your defence if there is a claim brought against you or you have a NERA inspection.

Employers contact me regularly with issues like:

• how to deal with grievances in the workplace
• how to carry out a disciplinary procedure
• how to calculate holiday pay
• what the employee is entitled to for working on Sundays, public holidays
• how to deal with poor employee performance
• gross misconduct
• advertising for staff
• selection criteria for redundancy
• managing employees on long term sick leave.

Employment Law Service

These are exactly the problems that I advise small employers up and down the country on every day. And I have been an employer in Ireland since 1986.

Just have a question or require clarity and peace of mind?

Maybe you just have a question and you’re confused about your obligations as an employer?

A consultation with me might be all you need, just to see where you stand.

It will help you understand whether you are leaving yourself wide open for a successful claim against you or not.

And it will help you make a good, well informed decision by clearing away the fog of confusion and gives you clarity.

Employees contact me every day of the week (including at weekends) with questions about an issue at work.

Issues like

• not getting rest break entitlements
• not getting holiday pay
• being treated unfairly or being bullied or harassed
• not being treated fairly in a disciplinary procedure
• being discriminated against
• being put under unlawful pressure to resign their position
• having their data protection rights infringed
• not being paid all their wages
• not being paid minimum wage
• issues around the contract of employment
• Tupe
• Constructive dismissal
• Unfair dismissal
• Health and safety
• Discipline procedures
• Pay for bank (public) holidays
• Stress in the workplace
• Part time employees’ rights
• Pay for working Sunday
• Changing terms and conditions of employment
• Bullying
• Gross misconduct
• Defamatory statements
• What constitutes workplace bullying
• Garda vetting
• Employees’ position in receiverships/liquidations
• Enforcing a WRC decision against an employer who won’t pay
• Illness related absences
• Holiday entitlements when out sick
• Maternity leave
• Handling grievances correctly
• Employer pension obligations
• Performance improvement plans
• Protected disclosures
• References
• Harassment at work
• Discrimination in pay for same job
• Bereavement entitlements

You as an employer probably have come up against these issues from time to time.

The problem can be you don’t know where you stand, or what your obligations are.

Maybe the employee is trying it on? Maybe she has a legitimate dispute or claim?

This uncertainty and not knowing can cause a lot of stress and grief.

How does this consultation service work?

The first thing I do is get all the relevant and necessary details from you.

I will review all relevant documents, the contract of employment, the staff handbook, any relevant letters or emails, and any other documents or information that I need.

Then we will decide whether I can advise by email and letter, or whether we need to speak on the phone or Skype, or whether you want to come to the office to speak face to face.

I am happy to do it whichever way you choose. The consultation fee is the same anyway.

But the bottom line is you will be getting my professional opinion about your problem and what solutions might be open to you.

If it is a situation where you have misunderstood your obligations I will tell you this, too.

It’s better that you know the truth rather than being told that you should bring a claim or legal action where you have no prospect of a successful defence.

How Much Is The Fee?

A consultation costs €100.

If you require more time, or guidance, it will depend on the complexity of the issue and the amount of time required. But you will know this from the outset.

If it prevents you from making a bad decision in relation to the issue, for example trying to defend a claim you cannot win, or that you have, indeed, a good defence it will almost certainly be money well spent.

Employment Contracts, Staff Handbooks, Employment Law/HR Advice

I also provide:

• contracts of employment
• assistance and advice for all the issues that crop up in your workplace-advice about equality and discrimination in the workplace, harassment, bullying, sexual harassment, stress, grievance and disciplinary issues, redundancy, TUPE, unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, personal injury claims, disciplinary procedures, employees on long term sick leave etc.
• all the procedures and policies you will need in the workplace, and  staff handbooks (different workplaces will need different policies and procedures but there are some essential ones)
• legal representation in the Civil and Criminal Courts, at the Labour Court, Equality Tribunal, and Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)
• advice about nera inspections
• data protection advice
• personal injury claims advice
• and more.

I aim to take the stress and feeling of overwhelm out of your HR/employee obligations and allow you to do what you do best: run your business or organisation.

My service aims to give you

• peace of mind
• protection against costly claims by employees
• more time for you to spend on your business
• more balance in your life
• stress free NERA inspections
• more money in your pocket and time on your hands.

Who am I? Solicitor Who Helps Employers Save Money, Time and Obtain Peace of Mind

My name is Terry Gorry and I’m a solicitor with my own small solicitor’s practice. You can learn more about me here.

I have a B.Comm from UCD and have written 3 books about employment law in Ireland. (Here’s my Amazon page).

I’ve been an employer in Ireland since 1986, so I have come across most problems that you will face-both as employer and solicitor.

And not just as a solicitor, no.

I have built and run businesses in retailing, construction, property development, licensed trade, convenience stores.

I’ve probably come across the problem you are facing at one time or another, long before I became a solicitor.

No Yearly Contract, No Monthly Fees

Unlike other providers of services like this I don’t charge you a monthly or yearly fee.

You only pay for what you get.

Pay as you go.

I know that you may face awkward employment related questions on a regular basis.

And situations can easily develop into costly messes rather than being nipped in the bud.

It’s at times like these that you need to know what your obligations as an employer are, and what is the best course of action to take to make sure you don’t make a bad situation worse.

Sometimes you might even know what the right thing to do is but just need to be sure.

That’s where I come in.

Simply email or call with your question and you will be guaranteed an accurate, prompt, and professional answer as soon as possible.

You have the peace of mind of having a solicitor who specializes in employment law at your service 365 days a year.

And you pay on a one off, ad hoc, as you need it basis.

This means you are not spending money every month for a service you might rarely use, especially if you run a good, tight, responsible ship.

If you have no problems or issues, you don’t need me, and you pay nothing.

When you do have a problem you pay only for my time, expertise, and experience.

Legal Advice and Representation

Unlike many providers of similar employment law/hr services, I can offer legal advice and representation in Courts as well as the other fora.

And I can help you with all aspects of the law, including

• personal injuries/workplace stress claims
• unfair dismissal
• constructive dismissal
• TUPE regulations
• redundancy
• negotiated exits from the employment
• without prejudice discussions
• and more.

What Others Say

Here’s what some clients have to say about me:

I am very grateful to Terry and his legal team for all work they’ve done on my case. I had very complicated case but Terry led it with high professional integrity, he gave me a lot of assurance and encouragement. I’ve got highly professional legal support. I am delighted with the result and very substantial compensation I’ve received. I wish Terry and his team further success.

Almina B

Terry Gorry is always most helpful and proactive. He has provided invaluable support to me in specialist areas of the employment law legislation on many occasions. I’m hugely grateful to you for what you have done Terry and can’t begin to thank you enough for all your patience, wise council, good humour and support.

Marzena

 

As a HR Consultant diversifying into the world of Employee Relations, Terry provides me invaluable guidance and advice.  At all times, he provides me with a prompt and professional service.  I continue to be impressed by his expertise and I would recommend him and his Employment Law services without hesitation.

S. Thornton

I was so pleased with the service I got from Terry Gorry Solicitor -my requirements for “Contract and Staff Policy Procedures” were surprisingly completed in a few days and for an amazing price of €99 +Vat. Another company wanted to charge me €300+Vat. Keep up the good work Terry.

Brendan Joyce

Terry was very helpful and knew what he was talking about. He ensured to get a full account of my story, so that he could help me to the best of his abilities. He showed real interest in my case right from the beginning. He was always there to answer any questions I had, even after working hours.

Alan F.

Hi Terry,

I’d be happy to supply a testimonial as your attention to detail was excellent. The calming way in which you conduct business was second to none.
I fully recommend you and your wonderful business to all of my colleagues and friends.
Thank you kindly for all the time you took to fully understand my case, it couldn’t have gone any better
Paul C

We have used Terry Gorry for all our HR/employment law needs including contracts of employment and staff handbooks and would have no problem recommending him very highly, especially for SMEs like ours because of his prompt attention to our needs.
Rathnam Girdhari
www.techpros.ie

I would highly recommend Terry Gorry for providing Employment contracts.
All his information and advice is provided in layman’s language
and he will tailor the contracts exactly to your needs.
Professional and prompt response to all your questions and queries.
Extremely cost effective and most importantly, does not try to sell you
something you do not need. Overall very professional.

T.F Specialist painting and coating contractors

I use the Legal Advisory services of Terry Gorry and have found this service to be very effective.

Terry always responds quickly to requests; gives his views in a clear and straightforward manner and then sends on the documentation that supports his legal argument.

I have no hesitation in recommending Terry as an effective legal support agent in the area of Employment Law.

Helen Hourican MSc HR

H-TRAINING

I left things ’till it was too late and just wished I meet Terry earlier: I would not have had a big settlement with an employee!
Now I’m 100% compliant with Employment Rights and fear nothing!

Stephen L

 

I engaged the services of Mr. Terry Gorry in relation to a conflict regarding my contract of employment.

I found Mr. Gorry to be courteous, knowledgeable and most efficient in handling my case.  He was very reassuring, which relieved my anxieties, and his services were thoroughly professional throughout.  I have no hesitation in recommending him to any prospective client.

H Nugent

I have to say Terry, I was really impressed by your efficiency, professionalism and no-nonsense approach – so refreshing!

Thank you again

D C

Terry was a pleasure to deal with for my firm taking on its first employee.  I received the required contract back within days including all the specific requirements requested to be included.  Terry also gave great advice and suggestions.  The price is so competitive.  I would happily recommend Terry to any employer/HR seeking advices and contracts.  I look forward to dealing with Terry again when Jigsaw takes on the next employee.

Lorraine Cooke QFA FLIA APA (Personal General Insurance) TMITI

Jigsaw Financial Solutions Ltd

www.jigsawfinancialsolutions.ie

Dear Terry,

Thank you very much for you assistance with my employment contracts. It was refreshing to deal with someone willing to deal with my questions so promptly and with clear understanding of the pertinent issues. Your fee structure is very fair and I would not hesitate to avail of your expertise again when dealing with any employment issues.

Regards

Dr. Colm O’Loghlen

Bridge Place Dental Practice, Tralee

Mr.Gorry, I am sure, you are confident that my experience meeting you and discussing my matter with you was hugely pleasant and productive, as you have provided me with your highly valuable professional advice, using your vast experience and legal expertise.

 

I came to you seeking an advice in relation to Irish Employment Law and its’ applications to a particular work environment situations. You have provided me with the essential legal information and gave me practical advises in accordance to my current position.

 

I found your service to be greatly efficient, objective, knowledgeable, earnest and friendly at the same time and extremely helpful to me as it has helped me to come to an important decision as a result. You helped me to see the situation from all the aspects and form my own opinion on this with a clear understanding what is right for me. Also, you were very helpful to draft a letter to my employer for me.

 

I would like to thank you again for your kind, understanding and professional approach to my case and I would be happy to recommend you as a legal representative / solicitor with a great level of expertise to any future prospective client.

 

Thank you for your excellent service.

 

I strongly hope that if I would need a further advice or any legal help I always would find it in your office.

Oksana V

 

I am so grateful to Terry Gorry. Terry’s service is uniquely efficient, accessible and affordable, he is very generous with his time and his thorough knowledge, his decisiveness is a breathe of fresh air. When I recently found myself in a sea of legal problems that I couldn’t have imagined could occur when I had thought I was doing things right, Terry Gorry’s sound advice was just what I needed when I lacked any sort of clarity myself due to the stess of it all. I would highly recommend him. Through his email service he opens up the world of legal intricacies to share, so we can all do what is right rather than learn what we did wrong when it is too late. Unfortunately I met him when it was too late. If you are new to being an employer seek advice.

Murphy. Medical professional

Dear Terry,

Than you very much for your help. I was successful in getting a more beneficial settlement for myself and my coworkers.

It is clear for us now, last time he was just tried to threaten me in to accepting his conditions. What is a shame. 🙁

But luckily based on your advice we can close this case forever now. (The papers also contains an assurement there no further legal actions will be taken against me or any of my coworkers)

 

Thank’s a million. I’m sure I will happily recommend you to others in the future.

IF

You can read more testimonials here.

Only a Few Employees?

You may only have a few employees. That’s fine. That’s how I started too.

I am happy to help any size of employer, no matter how small.

What’s the cost?

A consultation costs €100. It can be done in person, on the phone, by email, or by Skype.

Use the button below or the Contact page to get a quotation about anything else.

There are some things I can give you a straightforward quotation for-for example, contracts of employment or staff handbook or a particular policy/procedure, or a consultation.

Other things may not possible to give a specific quotation for, and I charge on the basis of my time and the complexity of the issue.

For example, if you need representation at a WRC hearing or Court-the cost will depend on the time required, which Court etc.

Remember, though, that the cost of a successful claim against you by an employee can be large. For example, the law provides up to 2 year’s salary for unfair dismissal.

It would be extremely rare for this level of compensation to be awarded.

But even an award for 6 or 9 or 12 months wages can be a serious amount of money for a small employer.

And this does not take into account the cost of defending the claim and getting good representation.

So, it’s far better to try to avoid these situations at all, and nip them in the bud, before they get out of hand.

Make an enquiry

If any of the issues above resonate with you or cause you concern,  you may want a quotation or a consultation.

Simply use the button below or this contact page and I will revert within 24 hours, guaranteed.

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Terry Gorry & Co. Solicitors, Innfield House, Main Street, Enfield, Co. Meath.

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 Terry Gorry & Co. Solicitors