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Employers often have to make tough decisions. Making redundancies is one of the most difficult decisions. When making redundancies, you need to keep several things in mind. In order to avoid unfair dismissal claims and employment tribunals, you must understand the law and follow the redundancy process properly. A redundancy process carries significant risk for both unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, if the procedure is not carried out correctly. Consistency and fairness are key in the organisation’s approach. The organisation must: Have a rationale for redundancy; and Follow a fair procedure   1. Identify a potential redundancy situation A redundancy [...]

The grievance procedure occurs when your employee has a concern or issue that has not been resolved informally. The employee may escalate this issue and make a formal grievance complaint. Businesses must have a written grievance procedure in place and share it with all employees. This must say how the process works and how long it takes. When an employee raises a formal grievance, their employer should follow a standard procedure. Grievances typically cover the following areas: • Raising the issue informally has not been effective, or the matter dealt with cannot be dealt with informally. • Pay and working conditions. • Terms of employment and workplace [...]

In light of the fresh lockdowns imposed in Dublin and Donegal, and with many other counties on the verge of following suit, a leading HR adviser says many employers will be forced to make temporary lay-offs and even redundancies. HR Team Director, Breda Cullen, said: “Many businesses are now having to think on their feet to ensuring they survive through these ongoing turbulent times. “Employers are having to consider repeat lay-offs while others are facing the prospect of redundancies, particularly in the hospitality industry. In other sectors, businesses are returning to a working from home arrangement, which comes with its [...]

As restrictions for businesses continue to ease, many business owners may be considering how feasible it is to maintain the number of staff they employed prior to the Covid-19 crisis. With restrictions still in place and losses to recoup – many businesses will find it difficult to take up where they left off before lockdown commenced. As economic activity is likely to recover slowly, organisations will have to carefully assess their cost of business. The number of people employed is likely to form a large part of that decision-making process. While redundancies are unfortunately likely to be made, there are [...]

Business owners in Ireland and other countries are beginning to feel the economic impact of the spread of coronavirus. The rise in the number of confirmed cases has seen the stock market plummet. Its impact on the tourism industry and the slowdown in production in China has hit many Irish businesses hard. HR Team partner with one local company who have had to put 50 employees on temporary leave until May because 80% of their business comes from Asia. More companies will be faced with having to lay off employees. However, it is important that employers are aware of the [...]

Employers are moving to cut staffing levels following the cancellation of St Patrick’s Day parades around Ireland, says a leading employment law advice consultant. The five days of events nationwide was projected to generate more than €73 million in revenue in the Republic of Ireland. Around half a million people attended events last year, with thousands traveling from overseas during the key week for the Irish tourism industry. HR Team Director, Martina McAuley, says employers are moving to safeguard their businesses in light of the blow: “As a result of the St Patrick’s Day parade cancellations employers are considering whether [...]

Employers should act now to minimise the risk of sexual harassment issues at this year’s Christmas work party, says HR Team Director, Breda Cullen. Ms Cullen is advising employers to ensure employees are made fully aware of the policies and procedures regarding behaviour at the annual Christmas work celebrations. Her followed the Irish Congress of Trade Union's publication of a survey which found 20% of reports of sexual harassment arose from work-related social events. The survey further found Christmas work parties were the most common ‘off-site location’ sexual harassment at work. Ms Cullen told Irish media: “The findings of the [...]