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Are you running a small to medium size business in Ireland and starting to struggle with all the ins and outs of HR (Human Resources) within your company?  We can help.  Below are a few key points to remember, but if you’re looking for more information, feel free to contact us on our HR Support page.

Does an employer have to give an employee a Contract of Employment outlining the terms and conditions of their employment?

Yes, an employer must give an employee a contract of employment outlining the terms and conditions of their employment within 2 months of starting work.

Why should an employer give an employee a written Contract of Employment?

The purpose of a written contract of employment is to clarify the terms of a person’s employment and to avoid misunderstandings or uncertainty in the future, which can lead to disputes because the employee’s expectations were different to that of the employer’s.

What information should be included in a Contract of Employment?

There is a minimum level of information required by law to be included in a written statement of terms of employment:  when you engage with the employment specialists at TriPro we will provide all of this detail for you.

Do I need to issue an Employment Handbook & what is the purpose of this?

The purpose of an employee handbook is to provide employees with a comprehensive guide to the company’s terms and conditions of employment. The handbook contains company information relating to the policies, procedures and rules that are applicable in the company.  It is designed to give a clear understanding to employees and to create a culture that issues are dealt with fairly and consistently in accordance with the procedures outlined in the handbook. The information contained in the handbook applies to all employees. Employees are responsible for reading, understanding and complying with the provisions.

At TriPro we will be happy to provide you with a comprehensive Employee Handbook to meet all legislative requirements as well as your specific requirements.

How are holiday entitlements calculated?

When calculating holiday entitlements, all time worked including overtime hours qualifies for holiday entitlement. There is no qualifying period for holidays for employees and they begin to accrue holiday entitlements from the day they commence employment.

How many public holidays are there during a year?

There are 9 public holidays also known as Bank Holidays in Ireland. They are:

  • New Years ‘s Day – 1st January
  • Patrick’s Day – 17th March
  • Easter Monday
  • First Monday in May
  • First Monday in June
  • First Monday in August
  • Last Monday in October
  • Christmas Day – 25th December
  • Stephen’s Day – 26th December

What is the national minimum wage?

Since January 1st 2017 the national minimum wage for an experienced adult employee is €9.25 per hour. 

Does an employer have to provide an employee with a payslip?

Yes, an employer is obliged to provide each employee with a payslip (written statement of wages) with each wage payment. The payslip must show:

  • The gross amount of wages payable, and
  • The nature and amount of any deduction from the gross amount.

What is the maximum weekly working week?

The maximum average working week is 48 hours. An employer must ensure that an employee does not work in excess of an average of 48 hours in each period of 7 days.

Do I have to provide daily rest breaks for employees?

Yes, employees working specific hours are entitled by law to rest breaks, please contact us at TriPro and we will provide you with the specific details relating to the rest break requirements.

Who is entitled to maternity leave benefit?

Maternity benefit is paid by the Department of Social Protection to an employee or a self – employed woman on the commencement of the maternity leave, provided that she satisfies certain PRSI conditions. 

What rate of maternity leave benefit is paid to an employee?

The rate of Maternity Benefit is €230 per week.

Other family friendly leave types are: 

  • Additional Maternity leave (Unpaid)
  • Paternity Leave
  • Parental Leave
  • Force Majeure leave
  • Carers Leave

Please contact us at TriPro and we will be happy to provide you with the specific details relating to all of the leave types employees are entitled to.

On what grounds can an employee be dismissed fairly?

There are fair grounds for dismissal, these include capability & competency.  At TriPro we can provide you with the options available to you in relation to fair grounds for dismissal.

Can I be inspected for compliance of the terms and conditions I apply to my employees?

Yes, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) carries out inspections of employer’s records to ensure compliance with employment law.

What are the reasons for an inspection by the WRC?

Inspections can be initiated for a number of reasons, including:

  • In response to complaints received of alleged non-compliance with relevant employment rights legislation,
  • As part of the WRC’s campaigns which focus on compliance in a specific sector or a specific piece of legislation, or
  • Routine inspections. 

Is there anything an employer needs to have prepared before the inspector arrives?

Yes, there is comprehensive documentation that an employer needs to have in place to provide evidence of compliance.  When you engage with TriPro we will provide you with the relevant guidance in relation to the detail required.

If you need some help managing your HR, get in touch with us today or check out our HR Support page.