Christine, Julie, and Laura - known as the Knowledge Team - bring extensive expertise in employment law, HR, and learning & development. With diverse backgrounds spanning top-tier law firms, in-house roles, and voluntary organisations across the UK and Ireland, they provide informed and strategic support on employment matters.
Our team includes qualified (now non-practising) employment solicitors with experience in both legal and corporate sectors, alongside an experienced HR professional and CIPD Associate Member, ensuring a well-rounded approach to workplace challenges.
Getting this week’s employment law updates and seeing Jessie Buckley winning again is the double dose of excellence I did not know I needed 🌟🎬
The week’s key HR reads ☕📰
- Spring 2026 Legislation Programme lands and employers should take note
- New retirement age law passed but still waiting to kick in
- Enterprise Ireland dials back remote working
- How Man Utd became a textbook example of a toxic workplace
- Unemployment steady but good jobs still hard to find
And in other news.... boost your HR superpowers with our 90 minute online Skill Builder on Managing Probation and Performance led by leading HR Consultant, Michelle Halloran on 26th Feb, packed with practical tips & resources you can use straight away. More here. 🚀
CONTENTS ⚓︎
1. Case Law Reviews ⚓︎
Haleigh Davidson v St Joseph's Secondary School Rush
Summary: Unsuccessful claim before the WRC re refusal to facilitate a three-day job share to accommodate childcare responsibilities.
Practical Guidance for Employers:
Employers should:
- Ensure that flexible working and job share schemes are administered strictly in accordance with governing policies or circulars, while clearly communicating managerial discretion over operational requirements such as timetabling. Clarity on what can and cannot be accommodated is recommended in managing employee expectations.
- Ensure that timelines are agreed where employees are returning from maternity leave, parental leave, or career breaks. While operational realities may dictate when timetables are finalised, employers should explain these constraints and apply them to all staff to avoid perceptions of differential treatment.
- Maintain structured engagement channels and document all interactions carefully. Reasonable steps taken to protect employee welfare, including occupational health referrals, should be clearly grounded in evidence and policy.
Read the full Review here: Haleigh Davidson v St Joseph's Secondary School Rush
Nicole Hanniffy Goodale v McGrath Investments Ltd
Summary: Dismissal found to lawful mid-probation.
Practical Guidance for Employers:
Employers should:
- Ensure that statutory eligibility criteria are clearly understood by both management and employees. While requests for predictable working conditions may arise early in employment, HR teams should be trained to identify whether an employee meets the service and probation requirements before engaging the formal statutory process. Clear written communication explaining why a request cannot be considered can help manage expectations and reduce disputes, even where no legal obligation arises.
- Note that robust onboarding remains critical, particularly in sensitive environments such as emergency accommodation or care settings. Employers should provide clear job descriptions, defined lines of authority, and practical guidance on decision-making limits. Mandatory training, such as conflict resolution, should be documented and followed up where performance concerns emerge during probation.
- Treat probationary periods as active performance management phases. Concerns should be raised promptly, documented, and discussed with employees before termination where possible. Even where dismissal is lawful, clear explanations for decisions can reduce the likelihood of complaints.
Read the full Review here: Nicole Hanniffy Goodale v McGrath Investments Ltd
These case reviews were written by Patrick Barrett BL.
Patrick's legal education is robust, beginning with a BCL Law Degree from University College Cork (2012-2016), followed by an LL.M in Business Law from the same institution (2016-2017), and culminating in a Barrister-at-Law Degree from The Honorable Society of King’s Inns in Dublin (2019-2021). He has extensive experience on the South-West Circuit, handling Civil, Family, and Criminal Law cases, as well as advising the Citizen Advice Service. He has worked as an employment consultant, dealing with workplace investigations and bankruptcy procedures.
Remember: Our Irish case law reviews are now held in our case law section on our fully-searchable employment law hub website.
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2. AI & Employment Law ⚓︎
The rise of reflective intelligence: The skill that will outlast AI
Artificial intelligence is accelerating learning, yet capability still depends on reflection. Dmitry Zaytsev tells the Training Journal about reflective intelligence and why it matters in today’s largely AI-driven workplace. He shares how L&D teams can help build practical reflection habits that improve judgement, resilience, and performance across modern organisations and leadership contexts. More here.
Skill Builder for HR: Making AI Work Fairly in Hiring
📅 Wednesday, 28 January 2026
⏰12:30 - 14:00 ( 1 hour 30 mins )
📍Online
Part of the Skill Builder for HR: 6 x 6 series, monthly, 90-minute practical HR and employment law sessions designed exclusively for senior HR professionals and business leaders. James Hutt, Consultant from Paradigm Junction discusses how AI tools are reshaping how organisations source, screen, and select candidates and how to design recruitment workflows that use AI responsibly and transparently. More here.
AI for HR Weekly Podcast with Barry Phillips 🎙️
This week's episode: Is ChatGPT Safe to Use in the Private and Third Sector?
You can tune into the latest episode right here - or, if you’re on the move, why not take us with you?
Listen on 🎧 Spotify and 🎧 Apple Podcasts.
Simply search for “AI for HR Weekly Podcast” and enjoy expert insights anytime, anywhere.
3. Government Legislation Programme - Spring 2026 ⚓︎
On 13 January 2026, the Government announced the publication of the Spring 2026 Legislation Programme, setting out the Government’s priorities for the coming ten-week parliamentary session. The Spring Programme includes 30 Bills scheduled for publication and 34 for priority drafting. In respect of those relevant to HR and employment law, the following (amongst others) has been listed as priority drafting:
- The Data Bill
- Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill
- National Cyber Security Bill
- Pensions Amendment Bill
Other legislation that has not been classed as priority drafting, but they still carry significant employment law and HR implications are namely:
- Pay Transparency Bill
- Gender Pay Gap Information Amendment Bill
- Standards for Equality Bodies Bill
- Disability and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill
- Registration of Trade Unions Bill
- Protection of Employees (Employers Insolvency) Amendment Bill
Read the government's press release here.
And the full Legislative Programme is here.
4. Pay ⚓︎
Ministers approve bumper salary hikes for top bosses, including one of more than 50pc
CEOs across Ireland’s semi-state sector are set to see significant pay increases, with some salaries potentially approaching €400,000. Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Irish Independent, told The Anton Savage Show that semi-state companies such as Dublin Bus and RTÉ are lined up for large pay rises. More from NewsTALK.
Aldi Ireland announces 2% pay increase for hourly paid staff
The company said the pay increase means the minimum hourly base pay rate at its stores and warehouses will be €15.40 per hour, with additional annual increments rising to €17.75 after one, two and three years of service. Aldi said the 2% increase in base pay ensures it continues to meet the new Living Wage Recommendation of €15.40 per hour. More from RTÉ.
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5. Remote Work ⚓︎
Enterprise Ireland reversing remote work policy as it looks to scrap flexible days for staff
Staff and union officials at Enterprise Ireland have expressed “significant” concern after learning that the semi-state wants to have them back in the office for the majority of the work week. Under the plans, it’s understood some staff currently working primarily remotely may have to attend Enterprise Ireland’s Dublin office instead of one of the company’s nine regional offices. The move is stirring tensions between management and staff, and comes shortly after a standoff at AIB over similar issues reports the Journal.
Amazon gives managers a new way to spot employees who aren't spending enough time in the office
Amazon is equipping its managers with powerful new metrics to monitor their reports with a dashboard that tracks not only whether employees show up to the office, but also how many hours they spend there, according to an internal document obtained by Business Insider. The move marks an escalation in the surveillance of white-collar workers at the e-commerce and cloud computing giant. Last year, Amazon implemented one of the industry's most stringent RTO mandates, requiring most employees to work from an office for five days a week. More from Business Insider.
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6. Retirement & Pensions ⚓︎
Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025
Shortly before Christmas, the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 was enacted following the President’s signature. However, the Act has not yet been brought into force, as the Minister has not made the necessary commencement order. We understand that guidance is currently being developed to support both employers and employees in applying the new regime in practice. We will therefore be monitoring the publication of these guidelines and the formal commencement of the legislation. The Act is here.
New regulations on automatic enrolment retirement savings system – minimum contribution standards for other pension arrangements
The Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Regulations 2025 (S.I.s 637 and 668 of 2025) were signed by Minister Dara Calleary just before the Christmas break. These regulations represent a significant development in the retirement savings landscape and came into effect on 1 January 2026. One of the main developments is the introduction of new minimum employer/employee contribution standards for occupational pension schemes and personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs) which must be met before an employee is exempt from automatic enrolment. Arthur Cox has more here.
Labour Court to hear school secretaries and caretakers pension dispute
A pensions dispute involving school secretaries and caretakers will be heard by the Labour Court. Talks at the WRC aimed at resolving the row broke down in November. The dispute saw around 2,600 school secretaries and caretakers, who are members of the Fórsa trade union, engage in strike action for over a week at the start of the school year, impacting around 2,000 schools. More here from RTÉ.
Former council worker entitled to pension payment increase over compulsory overtime
A road worker who was employed by a county council for 50 years is entitled to have his pension payments increased because he worked at least nine hours of compulsory overtime every week, the High Court has ruled, according to the Irish Times.
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7. Recruitment & Retention ⚓︎
67% of health workers actively considering leaving role – report
RTÉ reports more than two-thirds of health workers are "actively" considering leaving their role, according to new research. The study was commissioned by the Health and Welfare Division of the trade union Fórsa and was conducted by the progressive think-tank TASC. The survey of 3,775 Fórsa members across the HSE, Tusla, Section 38 and voluntary organisations, found low morale among workers across Ireland's health and social care services. Read here.
And…
Home Support workers vote for strike action
SIPTU members working as Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the HSE Home Support Service across Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute arising from their employer’s failure to honour national agreements on terms and conditions. You can read the full press release from SIPTU here.
Global unemployment 'stable' in 2026, but decent jobs lacking
The global unemployment rate is expected to hold steady in 2026, the United Nations has said, but cautioned that the labour market's seeming stability belies a dire shortage of decent jobs. The UN's International Labour Organization said the global economy and labour market appeared to have weathered recent economic shocks better than expected. RTÉ has more.
Advertised job vacancies in Cork tumbled 28% in 2025, says survey
Rising employment costs and global economic uncertainty contributed to a 17% year-on-year fall in advertised job vacancies in 2025, with Cork vacancies tumbling 28%, a review of the recruitment market said. The 2025 Review & 2026 Trends Forecast report produced by FRS Recruitment found that businesses focused on employment cost management by investing in automation and AI to fill job openings last year. More from the Irish Examiner.
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8. Just In Case You Missed It...... ⚓︎
The Employment Law Hub is a comprehensive, jurisdiction-specific resource designed for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders. It centralises essential employment law and HR updates, expertly curated and written by leading HR and legal specialists to provide reliable, practical, and authoritative insights. We have over 700+ in depth articles and 1000+ case law reviews. As a subscriber, you have access to all of this. Check it out the full Hub here and below are some recent articles you may have missed.....
How to: The Role, Responsibilities and Rights of Staff Associations
Staff associations are commonly viewed as a moderate alternative to representation via an ‘external’ trade union and are frequently used as a means of forestalling unionisation. They can also be viewed as being more attuned to the enterprise-specific needs of employees and a reflection of a preference for cooperative employee relations. However, like liquorice allsorts, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and operate under different degrees of employer control. Read more from Dr. Gerry McMahon, MD, Productive Personnel Ltd.
What’s happening in employment law in Ireland in 2026?
Irish employment law continued to evolve through 2025, with legislative movement across pay transparency, pensions, equality, and AI governance, alongside active adjudication before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Courts that will shape risk and practice into 2026. Read the key developments employers need to track for 2026 and beyond. Joanne Hyde, Partner at Lewis Silkin has more.
9. HR Developments ⚓︎
How Manchester United became a textbook example of a toxic workplace
The facts are stark. 10 managers in 12 years. A rash of controversial cost-cutting decisions, including firing almost 450 staff, swapping free hot lunches for fruit and ending the ambassadorial role held by the club's greatest ever leader. A team branded 'the worst, probably, in the history of the club' by their own manager. The ongoing turmoil at Manchester United is a case study of a deep, and unfortunately not uncommon, organisational problem that research shows can quietly destroy performance from the inside out. RTÉ has the full analysis here.
How to appoint the next manager when you got the last one so wrong
Blair McPherson argues those recruiting to management posts, especially when it comes to C Suite and above need look beyond a successful track record elsewhere and ask questions to determine whether the experience and undoubted skills are transferable to a different set up in this article for HR Director.
Turning people strategy into practice through group coaching
Lyn Hatch, Head of Student Experience at Health Coaches Academy writes if we want to create healthier workplace cultures, we need to address the workforce as collectives, as well as individuals. Real change happens when people learn, reflect and take accountability to support each other together. You can read more from HR News.
Employees say narrative-based performance reviews are the fairest
When it comes to performance reviews, it may be time to scrap the numbers, new research finds. Cornell University researchers discovered that narrative-only feedback is considered the fairest by employees and gives a clearer understanding of how to improve performance. You can read more about this from HR Dive.
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10. Employment News in the Media
Supporters of Enoch Burke turned up outside Wilson Hospital’s School, as the embattled teacher returned to try and resume his classes. Yesterday, the Mayo man was released from Mountjoy Prison by Mr Justice Brian Cregan, who said he wanted to give him time to prepare a fresh appeal. However, Mr Burke indicated he would use the time instead to try and gain entry to the school in County Westmeath, which suspended him from his job in 2022. Newstalk has more.
A human resources worker who “swamped” the WRC with 15 weeks of “updates” on her employment dispute has been told to draw up new legal submissions for her employment tribunal claim after she admitted using “AI assistance” to put her case together. At the WRC on Thursday, her former employer’s barrister said the claimant’s legal papers referenced some real cases, but misquoted them – while he said he and his instructing solicitors had been unable to find others. More from the Irish Times.
A senior Google employee has claimed she was made redundant after reporting a manager who told clients stories about his swinger lifestyle and showed a nude of his wife. Victoria Woodall told an employment tribunal she was subjected to a campaign of retaliation by the company after whistleblowing on the man who was later sacked. More from the BBC.
The DAA has committed to pausing the disciplinary investigation against suspended DAA chief Kenny Jacobs until a court hearing takes place, the High Court has heard. Jacobs has taken legal proceedings against the DAA after being suspended from his role as chief executive before Christmas pending the outcome of an investigation. He is seeking to overturn his suspension and get his job back. The Journal provides more on this.
A printer has claimed he lost his job due to "plotting" against him by a group of ex-colleagues from the same Dublin neighbourhood after he called on his bosses to sack one of them for alleged aggression and "ghetto behaviour" at towards him at work, according to RTÉ.
Eleven Romanian workers were let go by an engineering firm contracting at the Intel plant in Co Kildare days after they were subjected to racist behaviour, a tribunal has heard. Trade union Unite has accused engineering contractor Rigotec International Ltd of the unlawful dismissal of the men in a "sham redundancy" in February 2024. RTÉ has more on this.
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11. Friends of Legal Island ⚓︎
Cork law firm BHK Solicitors to merge with Philip Lee
One of Ireland's largest law firms, Philip Lee, has announced a strategic merger with Cork-based corporate law firm BHK Solicitors. The deal, which Philip Lee has called a "significant milestone" for the firm, will see its partner headcount exceed 50 following its continued expansion. More here.
Event: Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing
Legal Island is delighted to be partnering with the Employment Law Team at Philip Lee LLP on 11th March 2026 for the return of our ever popular event, Mock WRC Adjudication Hearing. Bláthnaid Evans, Partner who has recently made a move to Philip Lee LLP will be leading the event! View the full programme here.
12. Free Webinars This Month
MCS Lunch & Learn: Level Up Your Recruitment Strategy for 2026
📅Tuesday 20th of January 2026
⏰12 noon – 12:45 p.m.
📍Online
Think you’ve seen it all in recruitment? Think again. Join us for a free 45-minute lunchtime webinar on 20th of January 2026, hosted by Legal Island in partnership with MCS Group, and get the inside scoop on what’s really shaping hiring and how to hit the ground running in 2026.
What to expect:
- Understand how last year’s shifts in HR roles, sector trends and candidate expectations are shaping recruitment in 2026
- Explore how candidates and employers are using AI from CV optimisation to predictive hiring and what it means for your strategy
- Practical tips to reduce costs, streamline workflows and make automation work with your people, not against them
Stay ahead of salary trends, new role types and sector specific insights that will define the year ahead!
Julie will host a live Q and A with recruitment experts Rebekah Mulligan, Senior Recruitment Consultant - HR – MCS UK & Ireland and Associate Recruitment Consultant Tara Duffy, so you leave with answers, ideas and a sharper 2026 hiring toolkit.
Sign up for your free place here.
Check out previous discussions:
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