Anne O'Connell Solicitors, AOC Solicitors, Solicitors in Dublin, Specialists in Employment Law

News 4th August 2026

WRC Upholds Dismissal of Senior Manager Following Use of Company Resources by his Son

In Dermot Murphy v Murphy International Limited (ADJ-00056936), the Workplace Relations Commission (the “WRC”) found that the dismissal of a senior manager, who had facilitated the extensive use of company resources in connection with his son’s private house-building project, was...

News 7th July 2026

Domestic Violence Leave – How Much Information Can Employers Request?

Since the introduction of a statutory entitlement to domestic violence leave pursuant to the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, questions have arisen for employers especially concerning what information, if any, they can seek from employees to substantiate...

News 30th June 2026

Labour Court Increases Award for Employer’s Failure to Provide Reasonable Accommodation to Neurodivergent Employee

In the matter Dylan O’Riordan v Omniplex Cork Limited (EDA2620) the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) Adjudicator awarded the Complainant €12,000. Subsequently the Respondent appealed the decision to the Labour Court and the Complainant counter-appealed. The Labour Court more than doubled...

News 29th June 2026

The New Code of Practice on Longer Working: Key Changes and Employer Obligations

The Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) has published an updated Code of Practice on Longer Working, (“the Code”) which came into effect on 29 June 2026. The revised Code replaces the 2017 version and reflects the significant changes introduced by the...

News 26th June 2026

WRC Publishes Annual Report for 2025

The Workplace Relations Commission (the "WRC") has recently published its Annual Report for 2025. The report provides a useful overview of complaint trends, adjudication activity, mediation outcomes, inspection and enforcement work, and wider strategic developments across the employment law landscape....

News 26th June 2026

Failure to Provide Reasonable Accommodation Results in €28,000 Award in WRC

The Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) recently awarded €28,000 in Lukasz Swiercz v Lidl Ireland GmbH (ADJ-00059764) as compensation to an employee who was found to have been discriminated against on the grounds of disability, arising from a failure by his...

News 26th June 2026

Commencement of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025

The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 (Commencement) Order 2026 has now been published. After a period of delay pending a review of the existing Code of Practice on Longer Working, the Order confirms that the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages)...

News 19th May 2026

WRC Seeks to Clarify Calculation of “Remuneration” under the Unfair Dismissals Acts

In Caroline O’Connell v Lionbridge International Unlimited Company (ADJ-00057077), the Workplace Relations Commission (the “WRC”), awarded the Complainant €142,984 in compensation for unfair dismissal, which figure represented the full value of her financial loss. The Adjudicator, Breffni O’Neill, was satisfied...

News 19th May 2026

Labour Court Reduces WRC’s Record Award and Clarifies Calculation of Remuneration

The recent Labour Court decision of X Internet Unlimited Company v. Gary Rooney, arises from an appeal of a Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) decision, (ADJ -00044246) in which the Complainant was found to be unfairly dismissed and was awarded the...

News 19th May 2026

Requirements to Mitigate Loss – Recent Decisions from the Labour Court and WRC

The Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) and the Labour Court (the “Court”) each recently issued a decision in Conor Gilligan v Derrin Group Management Limited (ADJ-00058189) (WRC decision) and Accountancy & Business College (Ireland) Limited t/a Dublin Business School v Amir...

News 25th March 2026

WRC finds Discrimination where “Neutral” Policy Failed to Accommodate Disability

In Kim Murphy v Ryan’s Investments Unlimited Company t/a Hertz Rent A Car, the Complainant brought a claim to the Workplace Relations (“WRC”) under the Equal Status Act 2000 after she was charged with a €150 ‘valet fee’ due to...

News 25th March 2026

WRC lifts Statutory Cap of €13,000 in Employment Access Case and awards €40,000 instead

In a recent decision of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in the case of Noel O’Connell v National Council for Special Education (ADJ-00042837), the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was found to have indirectly discriminated against a deaf applicant...

News 25th March 2026

Labour Court Finds Employer Not Required to Pay SSP Where Employee Did Not Qualify for Company Sick Pay

SK Biotek Ireland Ltd v Shannon Reina (SLD262) is a recent decision by the Labour Court in respect of an appeal of a Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) decision concerning statutory sick pay. The Complainant lodged the original claim under the...

News 25th March 2026

New WRC Code of Practice on Part-Time Workers

In January 2026, a new Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time working (“the Code”) was introduced by the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”). The new Code aims to provide practical guidance for employers and employees in agreeing part-time working arrangements,...

News 3rd March 2026

WRC lifts Statutory Cap of €13,000 in Employment Access Case and awards €40,000 instead

In a recent decision of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in the case of Noel O’Connell v National Council for Special Education (ADJ-00042837), the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was found to have indirectly discriminated against a deaf applicant...

News 5th February 2026

Employee Unfairly Dismissed by Employer Following Client Request to Remove Him from Site

Tony Molloy v Kaefer Limited (ADJ-00053834) is a recent unfair dismissal case that was before the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”). The Complainant brought the complaint under the Unfair Dismissal Acts 1977-2015 (the “Acts”) claiming his dismissal was both procedurally and...

News 5th February 2026

One TUPE Transfer, Two Different WRC Decisions re Whether Employee Resigned When Didn’t Sign New Contract

Two WRC decisions arising from the same transfer under the EC (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (“TUPE Regulations”) reached different outcomes on whether the lack of confirmation by the employee re transferring amounted to a resignation...

News 5th February 2026

Labour Court Upholds Decision of WRC that Company Sick Pay Scheme was less favourable overall than Statutory Sick Pay Scheme.

The Labour Court recently considered an appeal of a Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) decision in Ann Britton v. Amcor Flexibles Ltd ADJ-00050138. The complaint was in relation to the Sick Leave Act 2022 (“the Act”). The WRC Adjudicator had found...

News 5th February 2026

Irish Prison Service Ordered to Find Position for Prison Officer within Three Months

In Kim Dempsey v Irish Prison Service (ADJ-00043513) the Complainant brought a complaint under section 77 of the Employment Equality Acts (as amended) against her employer Irish Prison Service, for failing to provide her with reasonable accommodation following a workplace...

News 5th February 2026

Adjudicator Includes “lump sum” from Pension in Constructive Dismissal Compensation Award

Karen McHale v Mayo University Hospital (ADJ-00053715) involved a constructive dismissal complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 – 2015. The Complainant claimed that she was left with no option but to resign from her employment due to the Respondent’s...

News 28th January 2026

Reeling In The Year 2025

As we journey into 2026, it's timely to reflect on some key developments and noteworthy cases that shaped Irish Employment law last year. Minimum Wage The start of 2025 saw an increase in minimum wage to €13.50 per hour. From...

News 26th January 2026

CJEU Annuls Part of the Adequate Minimum Wages Directive

Published in the Irish Employment Law Journal 2025, volume 22 Issue 4, pgs 98-99. Irish Employment Law Journal European Developments Winter 2025Download Anne O’Connell Solicitors 19-22 Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2. www.aocsolicitors.ie

News 26th January 2026

Advocate General Delivers Controversial Opinion Regarding Minimum Wage Directive

Published in the Irish Employment Law Journal 2025, volume 22 Issue 2, pgs 41-42 Advocate General (“AG”) Nicholas Emiliou delivered his opinion on 14 January 2025 in Kingdom of Denmark v European Parliament and Council of the European Union, a...

News 26th January 2026

CJEU Rules Employers Are Required To Provide Reasonable Accommodation To Employees Who Are Caregivers Of Their Child With A Disability

Published in the Irish Employment Law Journal 2025, volume 22 Issue 3, pgs 69-71 The Court of Justice of the European Union (the “CJEU”) delivered judgment on 11 September 2025 in the case of G.L. v AB SpA (C-38/24), which...

News 26th January 2026

Auto-Enrolment Update

“MyFutureFund” Ireland’s new auto-enrolment pension system is now in effect as of 1st January automatically enrolling “eligible” employees. While many employers were prepared for this development, what came as a surprise were the further regulations signed into law on 22nd...

News 16th December 2025

WRC upholds Eircom’s defence in retirement age claim

In the case of Patrick Donnellan and Eircom Limited (ADJ-00051860) the Complainant brought a complaint under section 77 of the Employment Equality Act, challenging the Respondent’s enforcement of a mandatory retirement age of 65 and its refusal of his application...

News 16th December 2025

Pharmacist Awarded €86,717 for Sexual Harassment where Respondent “wholly failed” to Protect Complainant from Continued Harassment

In A Female Complainant v The Health Service Executive (ADJ-00055810), the Workplace Relations Commission (the “WRC”) found that the Complainant was discriminated against by her employer on the grounds of gender. The Adjudicator, Conor Stokes, found that the Complainant was...

News 16th December 2025

Auto-Enrolment is Nearly Here – What Does it Mean for Employers?

The Government’s new statutory retirement savings system will go live from 1st January 2026. The scheme known as MyFutureFund, will be overseen and administered by the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA). NAERSA will identify which employees meet the eligibility criteria...

News 17th November 2025

WRC Finds No Genuine Redundancy where Employee was Dismissed Following Refusal of New Contract Terms

In Dariusz Kowalski v Nvd Limited (ADJ-00034716) the Complainant claimed that he was unfairly dismissed by the Respondent because of his refusal to sign a new contract that altered the terms and conditions of his employment to his detriment. Facts:...

News 14th November 2025

WRC Upholds TUPE Complaint Four Years After the Transfer

In Sara Halpin v Robert & F Warren Ltd (ADJ-00058438), one of the claims that the Complainant sought adjudication from the Workplace Relations Commission (“the WRC”) was under the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003,...

News 22nd October 2025

Teacher Told in Interview to “enjoy every moment at home with the baby” Awarded €85,000 as Compensation for Discrimination

In Emily Williams v Board of Management, St Tola’s National School (ADJ-00055461) the Complainant alleged she was discriminated against by reason of her family status by the Respondent primary school. The Complainant submitted a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission...

News 22nd October 2025

Labour Court Overturns WRC Decision on Mandatory Retirement of Civilian Garda Driver

The Labour Court recently issued its decision on an appeal of a Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) decision which found that Mr Tom Ronan, a civilian garda driver (the “Complainant”), was discriminated against when he was forced to retire at 70....

News 22nd October 2025

Supreme Court Recognises Claim For Damages For Emotional Stress Short Of Psychiatric Injury But Not As A ‘Personal Injury’ Claim

The Supreme Court judgement (of O’Donnell CJ, Dunne J, Hogan J, Murray J and Collins J) in Patrick Dillon v. Irish Life Assurance PLC which was handed down on 24th July 2025, considered whether claims for emotional distress as a...

News 10th September 2025

New Mother Discriminated Against By Employer Awarded €50,000

In Lisa McGrath v Net Smart Security Limited (ADJ-00056559)the Workplace Relations Commission (“the WRC”) found that the Complainant was discriminated against by her employer on the grounds of gender and family status. The Adjudicator, Particia Owens, awarded the Complainant €50,000...

News 10th September 2025

Recent Decisions on Mandatory Retirement Highlight Requirement for Appropriate Contractual Provisions and Retirement Policies

The Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) and the Labour Court (the “Court”) each recently issued a decision on the subject of mandatory retirement ages in Denise Murphy v Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (ADJ-00046831) (WRC decision) and Deepak fasteners (Shannon)...

News 10th September 2025

WRC Condemns Sham Redundancy Carried out by Football Club in “Ruthless and Dishonest Manner”

David Henderson v The Bohemian Football Club CLG (ADJ-00056820) concerned an employee of the Respondent football club who claimed he was unfairly dismissed in a sham redundancy process, in the absence of any fair procedures. The Complainant submitted his complaint...

News 10th September 2025

WRC Deems Compromise Agreement Invalid – Employees Should Have Opportunity To Take Legal Advice

Andrea Myers v Clay Youth Project Clg (ADJ-00056614) is a recent unfair dismissal case that was before the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”). The Complainant brought a complaint under the Unfair Dismissal Acts 1977-2015 (the “Acts”) claiming she had been constructively...

News 10th September 2025

WRC Upholds Sexual Harassment Complaint but Reduces Award

In Lenianastasia Shanahan V Roots Health Food (ADJ – 00054550) the Complainant claimed that she experienced sexual harassment in her employment with ‘Roots’ under section 79 of the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015. Facts: The Complainant commenced employment with...

News 10th September 2025

WRC Orders Tesco to Re-Engage Worker Dismissed after Calling Manager “Useless”

In the recent high profile decision of the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) in Cathal Hussey v Tesco Ireland Limited (ADJ-00052619), Tesco has been ordered to re-engage a worker who was dismissed after calling his manager “useless”. Facts: The Complainant had...

News 10th September 2025

WRC Finds that Victimisation Can Occur in Response to Proceedings Issued against a Different but Related Entity

In Aoife Cleary v St. Patrick’s National School Lurgybrack (ADJ-00053384) the Complainant lodged several complaints with the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”), including a complaint of victimisation under the Employment Equality Acts. She claimed that she was victimised by the Respondent...

News 18th August 2025

WRC Finds Unfair Dismissal where Employer Failed to Engage with Employee during Period of Absence

In Barry Colclough v Grange Mockler Holdings Ltd t/a Lanigan’s Bar (ADJ-00050044) the Complainant claimed that he was unfairly or constructively dismissed from his employment as Head Door Supervisor with the Respondent in breach of section 8 of the Unfair...

News 18th August 2025

One Year’s Remuneration Awarded to Marketing Manager Demoted Following her Return to Work from Maternity Leave

In A Marketing Manager v A Drinks Retail Company (ADJ-00051379), the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) found that the Complainant was discriminated against by her employer on the grounds of gender by not being returned to her position following maternity leave,...

News 18th August 2025

Seconded Employee Succeeds in Unfair Dismissal Claim Due to Failure in Investigation of Complaints

In the recent decision of Krzysztof Machinkowski v Spectrum Telecom Installations Limited (ADJ-00052842), the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) found that the Complainant was unfairly dismissed from the Respondent’s client placement due to the failure of either the Respondent or the...

News 18th August 2025

Finance Manager Dismissed after Making Protected Disclosure Awarded €34,737

In a recent case A Finance Manager v A Charity (ADJ-00051548) the Complainant claimed he was unfairly dismissed and submitted a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2015. Because the Complainant had less than...

News 9th July 2025

WRC Finds Employer Breached TUPE Regulations by Unilaterally Changing Employee’s Terms and Conditions of Employment

In Kathy Coleman v Cáirde Credit Union Ltd (ADJ-00054649), the Complainant brought a number of complaints alleging that the Respondent breached the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (“TUPE Regulations”). The Complainant alleged that the Respondent unilaterally changed...

News 9th July 2025

Employee Put on Unpaid Leave Pending Medical Assessment of Fitness to Work Wins Payment of Wages Claim

In Noel Kelly v Go Ahead Bus Ireland (ADJ-0005112), the Workplace Relations Commission (“the WRC”) found for the Complainant Mr Kelly in a Payment of Wages claim. The Complainant was not paid by his employer while an investigation took place...

News 9th July 2025

Employer Successfully Defends Claim of Sexual Harassment Due to its Post-Incident Actions

This case Serhat Aksakal v. Kivaway2 Limited trading as the Odeon (ADJ-00053151) concerned a complaint under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 (“the Acts”). The Complainant claimed the Respondent discriminated against him on the grounds of his gender, in circumstances where...

News 19th June 2025

Significant Award for Breaches of Organisation of Working Time Act

In the recent decision of Mark Alcock v Knights Tower Trading (ADJ-00049112), the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) made an award of €34,999.99 for multiple breaches of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (the “Act”). Facts: In September 2019, the...

News 19th June 2025

Recent Caselaw: Mandatory Retirement Ages and Post- Retirement Fixed Term Contracts

This article discusses a recent Workplace Relations Commission “WRC” decision and a recent Labour Court decision on the knotty subject of mandatory retirement ages. Case 1: Tom Kitterick v Mayo County Fire Service (ADJ-00050808) Facts: Mr. Kitterick (the “Complainant”) commenced...

News 19th June 2025

WRC Awards €1,000 for Two Day Delay by Respondent in Responding to Remote Working Request

In the recent decision of Thomas Farrell v Salesforce (ADJ-00052842), the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) found that the Respondent’s failure to respond to a request for remote working within the four-week deadline breached the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions...