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.
The British Open is in full swing at Portrush - just like HR: high stakes, sharp shots, and the odd bunker. ⛳
This Week's Top 5: Stories brief enough for your commute, sharp enough for your next meeting...🚂
- EU publishes final draft of its General-Purpose AI Code of Practice 🤖
- Irish workplaces still lacking fertility support 🍼
- Over-60s are driving innovation — experience matters! 💡
- Employers misbehaving on pensions will be chased down ⚠️
- Flexible working is sticking and it’s working! 🏠
And in other news....Congratulations to our contributor, Duncan Inverarity, Partner, A&L Goodbody on his call to the Inner Bar recognising his exceptional legal expertise, advocacy skills, and professional achievements! 👏⚖️More here.
**If you have any difficulties accessing the article or resetting your password (if you haven’t already done so in 2025) please email hub@legal-island.com and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.**
CONTENTS ⚓︎
1. Case Law Reviews ⚓︎
Artur Czopek v TJX Ireland Unlimited Company [2025]
Summary: Employee’s discrimination and victimisation claims were rejected after the WRC found no credible evidence to support differential treatment or harassment.
Practical Guidance for Employers:
Employers should:
- Maintain Clear, Inclusive Practices: Employers should ensure all workplace customs are inclusive and applied consistently. Document how participants are chosen and maintain records to demonstrate non-discriminatory practices.
- Apply Policies Uniformly: All employees must be treated equally regarding absence management, shift scheduling, and task allocation. Implement a well-communicated absence policy and consistently enforce it across staff. When exceptions arise, ensure justifications are documented and communicated clearly.
- Document Complaints and Responses: Promptly record and respond to all discrimination or victimisation complaints. Keep timelines and communications to track who raised the complaint, when, and how it was handled.
- Train Managers and Team Leaders: Provide regular training on the Employment Equality Acts and internal equality policies. Managers must understand their responsibilities regarding fair treatment, handling complaints, and avoiding comments or actions that could be misinterpreted as harassment or retaliation.
Read the full Review here:
Artur Czopek v TJX Ireland Unlimited Company [2025]
Michelle Murray v Cagney Contract Cleaning t/a Cagney Maintenance Service Ltd [2025]
Summary: WRC partially upheld employee’s complaint and awarded €10,080 after dismissal was found procedurally unfair and employer failed to provide written terms of employment.
Practical Guidance for Employers:
Employers should:
- Ensure Written Terms Are Provided: Employers must issue a written statement of employment terms to all staff, as required by the Terms of Employment (Information) Act. Relying solely on offer letters is insufficient.
- Conduct Fair and Transparent Disciplinary Processes: Where dismissal is considered, employers must ensure procedural fairness, including allowing the employee to respond fully, challenge evidence, and access relevant documents. Even if misconduct is proven, flawed procedures can render a dismissal unfair.
- Document and Communicate Employment Changes: Any significant changes to an employee’s duties, work location, or responsibilities should be confirmed in writing. Keeping clear, dated records protects the employer.
Read the full Review here:
Michelle Murray v Cagney Contract Cleaning t/a Cagney Maintenance Service Ltd [2025]
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.
2. AI & Employment Law ⚓︎
Preparing for the Rise of the Agentic Workforce
As agentic AI moves from theory to practice, HR leaders face a new reality: the rise of a hybrid workforce made up of both humans and autonomous AI agents. This article from HRD Connect looks at how HR can prepare for this transformation.
Can You Trust An AI Coach With Your Secrets At Work? Know The Risks
Are you talking to your AI like it’s your personal coach? If so, you’re not alone. A growing number of people are turning to digital tools to talk through their stress, burnout, and even mental health struggles. In fact, a study by Oracle and Workplace Intelligence found that more than 68% of employees would rather talk to a robot than their manager about stress and anxiety. These tools make it easier to open up without the fear of being judged, interrupted, or misunderstood.
Forbes has more here.
EU Publishes Final Draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice
This final text, covering Transparency, Safety and Security and Copyright, turns what was once positioned as a voluntary framework into something far closer to a baseline for proving compliance under the EU AI Act. The Commission’s Q&A confirms that developers who fall short of compliance after signing will still be considered to be acting “in good faith”, and the AI Office will support, rather than penalise them. This grace period runs until 2 August 2025, after which fines may be imposed under the AI Act. This potentially sets up a two-tier system. While signatories are shielded from regulatory scrutiny for a year, even if non-compliant, non-signatories have no such protection. Those who do not sign the “voluntary” Code face immediate legal risk, which raises questions about its voluntary nature. More from William Fry here.
And more......
This week Fianna Fáil announced the proposal by Naoise Ó Cearúil TD of the National Artificial Intelligence Office Bill 2026. It proposes the creation of a powerful new statutory body with a €25 million annual budget to both regulate and enable artificial intelligence in Ireland. Read more from Dr Barry Scannell here.
“Digital Coaching – The Pros, the Cons”
This week Barry Phillips reveals the results of Legal Island’s digital coaching pilot and considers the pros and cons of AI coaching.
You can also access the episode here.
3. Economic Outlook ⚓︎
Simon Harris warns of major job losses if US imposes 30% EU trade tariffs
A 30% tariff trade war with the US would have “significant” impacts on the Irish economy, including an increasing rate of job losses, ministers were warned on Tuesday. Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and foreign affairs and trade minister, issued the warning at a Cabinet meeting, as the EU tries to avoid an all-out trade war with the US, after Donald Trump upended negotiations by demanding a deal by August 1 or face a 30% tariff on goods coming to the US from the EU. Arriving for talks with European ministers in Brussels, Mr Sefcovic said a tariff of 30% or more would have a huge impact, making it “almost impossible to continue” current transatlantic trade, which is worth €4.4bn a day. You can read more on this from the Irish Examiner.
Budget boosts of up to €1,000 per worker dropped as Ministers seek era of restraint
This year’s budget is expected to end one-off payments like energy credits and double welfare, and sharply slow current spending growth, despite past benefits of around €1,000 per worker. In response to economic uncertainty, the Government plans a restrained budget with increased capital investment. Talks among senior ministers also addressed potential U.S. tariffs on EU exports, and internal political tensions are brewing over the proposed cuts, reports the Irish Times.
4. Pensions ⚓︎
Nine in ten workers plan to stay in pension auto-enrolment scheme
Business Plus reports there is overwhelming public support for pension auto-enrolment (AE) ahead of its delayed introduction next January, according to a new survey. The survey of 1,000 adults nationwide by Ask Acorn, found that 87 per cent said they would be likely to remain in the scheme once enrolled. More here.
Bereaved Partners Bill passed by the Oireachtas
The Social Welfare (Bereaved Partners and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 has been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and will now be presented to the President for signing. This landmark legislation will extend eligibility to the current Widow’s, Widower’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension to Qualified Cohabitants in Ireland. You can read the full press release here.
Employers who 'behave badly' over pension scheme will be 'chased down'
Employers who try to force or dissuade their workers out of the newly-planned auto-enrolment pension scheme could face “sanctions, penalties, and prosecutions”, an Oireachtas committee has heard. Officials from the Department of Social Protection addressed TDs and senators on the scheme which is due to start from January 1, and said employers who “behave badly” and try to reclassify workers to avoid paying pension contributions would be “chased down”.
You can read more from the Irish Examiner.
Back to Top
5. Pay ⚓︎
Bus Éireann vote to accept above inflation pay increases
SIPTU members, along with their colleagues in the other transport unions, have voted by 62% to 38% to accept a Labour Court recommendation on wage increases at the public bus company that will see basic pay rises of 3.5% and 3.25% over the next two years. SIPTU Organiser, Andrew Quigley, said: “This has been a long road for our members in striking a new pay deal with management which goes someway to addressing the rising cost of living and respects the essential services provided by Bus Éireann workers. The full press statement from SIPTU is here.
PTSB and unions agree new pay deal for staff
PTSB and its group of unions have agreed a new pay deal for staff at the bank. The proposals include a 4% pay agreement divided evenly between a "general increase" and a "performance" pay model which is backdated to 1 January 2025. There will be an increase to entry level salaries to €29,580, as well as increases to the existing grade minimum and maximums, RTÉ reports.
6. Fertility Support ⚓︎
Irish workplaces lack fertility support
A new study by Sims IVF reveals that 80% of people undergoing fertility treatment in Ireland say their workplace lacks adequate support policies. An employer guide is publicly available on the Sims IVF website and includes a fertility policy template for workplaces. Think Business has more on this.
7. Hybrid & Flexible Working ⚓︎
Bank of Ireland hybrid working changes 'problematic' – FSU
The Financial Services Union (FSU) has described changes to Bank of Ireland's hybrid working policy as problematic and at variance with the views of staff. Last week, the bank announced that from September, staff who are eligible for hybrid working will be required to work in-person a minimum of eight days per month or two days per week. RTÉ has more.
However…
Why a growing number of Irish firms are sticking with flexible working
A comprehensive study of Ireland’s workforce reveals that flexible work arrangements have become a cornerstone of business strategy, with significant benefits for employee wellbeing, retention, and productivity. The latest “Grow Remote – Future of Work Pulse” report analysed data from over 25 Irish employers alongside insights from IBEC, CIPD, and Forbes. The findings paint a picture of a workforce increasingly built around flexibility. More from Think Business.
8. Just In Case You Missed It...... ⚓︎
Where’s the line between just doing your job and whistleblowing - How do I handle It?
The RDJ Employment Team is seeing a rise in claims under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. Employees alleging penalisation for whistleblowing can complain to the WRC and may seek interim relief from the Circuit Court. Read the guidance to support employers in this complex area in this month's How do I handle it?
You can access the article here.
Fixed-Term Contracts: Managing Risk and Avoiding Claims
In this article, Triona Cody, Partner and Head of Employment Law, Kane Tuohy LLP explores the key legal obligations surrounding fixed-term contracts, including limits on renewals, the requirement for objective justification, WRC and Labour Court decisions, and how employers can avoid common pitfalls. Find out more here.
9. HR Developments ⚓︎
Microlearning Strategies for Reskilling the Modern Workforce: A Practical Guide
As automation accelerates, reskilling is essential. Microlearning - short, targeted lessons -offers just-in-time knowledge that fits busy schedules and evolving job needs. From scenario-based modules to gamification and peer insights, these strategies enable efficient, relevant learning and foster adaptability, ensuring employees remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market. You can read more from HR Director here.
How professionals over 60 can drive innovation
Leadership coach Gilles Varette explains why undervaluing over-60s in the workplace is a big mistake for business growth in this article for Silicon Republic. By 2057, it is estimated that more than 1.9m people in Ireland will be over 65. We are living – and working – longer than ever before. Older professionals have built companies, led teams and weathered crises. Yet, even amid record talent shortages, they are often sidelined in recruitment, succession planning and leadership development. Find out more here.
Why employees hesitate to disclose mental health concerns – and what employers can do about it
About one in four employees has a diagnosable mental health condition, and up to 65 per cent say mental health concerns interfere with their ability to work. This article from the Conversation looks at a study that identified three elements of a workplace that support mental health disclosure. You can read more here.
Back to Top
10. Employment News in the Media
The Irish Examiner reports criminal and disciplinary proceedings have been taken against gardaí who have raised concerns about malpractice in the organisation. Senator Michael McDowell told the Senate on Thursday a senior garda “of the upmost integrity” had been sidelined because he made a number of protected disclosures.
An employee who was sacked when a recording of him venting his "frustrations" to his company's human resources chief was sent to the CEO months later has won €10,000 for unfair dismissal. Thomas Delaney secured the award on foot of a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against NSP Expert Lab Solutions. Mr Delaney told the tribunal that he thought his conversation with its HR chief in February that year was "in confidence" and that he never consented to a recording. RTÉ has more here.
Social media giant TikTok has been granted permission by the High Court to pursue a legal challenge against what it argues is the “penal” €530 million fine imposed upon it by the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) over the alleged transfer of site-users’ personal data to China. The fine was imposed on the video-sharing site in May, for what the DPC described as an infringement on data protection regarding its transfers of European users’ data to The People’s Republic of China via remote access to data stored in the US and Singapore by personnel based in China. The Journal has more on this.
Logistics multinational DHL has been ordered to pay a redundancy package worth over €18,000 to a warehouseman left jobless after he turned down a transfer to a site that would have required a return commute up to five hours long. The WRC upheld a complaint under the Redundancy Payments Act against DHL Supply Chain Limited by stock picker Oscar Solano Fernandez, who lost his job after bosses decided to shut down and sell off a warehouse in Dublin 22. A senior HR manager in DHL had denied keeping workers "nominally in employment" when the warehouse closed, in a bid to "avoid" paying staff their statutory redundancies, RTÉ reports.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has left employees at his artificial intelligence startup xAI stunned after issuing a directive to install a productivity-tracking tool, not just on company laptops, but on their personal computers as well, as per a report. Staff working on xAI’s AI chatbot, Grok, were instructed to download Hubstaff, a monitoring app that tracks URLs, application usage, and takes periodic screenshots during work hours. More from the Economic Times.
11. Friends of Legal Island ⚓︎
Call to the Inner Bar
Legal Island extends its congratulations to the twenty-six Law Library members and two solicitors who were granted Patents of Precedence by the Cabinet on Tuesday. Special congratulations to one of our speakers and contributors, Duncan Inverarity, Partner at A&L Goodbody for this achievement.
They will mark their official 'Call to the Inner Bar' in early October, by the Chief Justice.
The “Call to the Inner Bar” is a recognition counsel's exceptional legal expertise, advocacy skills, professional achievements, and contributions to the legal community; marking a significant milestone in their career.
More here.
12. Free Webinars This Month
MCS Lunch and Learn: What Top Recruiters Know that You Don’t (Yet)
🔔 Please note that the webinar has been rescheduled to 23rd July.
🗓 Thursday, 23 July 2025
🕚 12:00 – 12:45 (45 mins)
💻 Online
Register HERE.
Join Julie from Legal Island for an MCS Lunch and Learn webinar with leading recruitment experts Ryan Calvert and Rebekah Mulligan. In the first quarter of 2025, the business and recruitment landscape has already been reshaped by macroeconomic, socio-economic, and political forces. Policy changes, inflationary pressures, and shifts in the labour market are compelling organisations across the UK and Northern Ireland to reassess their HR strategies. As workforce dynamics continue to evolve and skills demands grow, it’s essential for HR professionals to adapt their approaches to remain competitive and effectively meet new challenges.
In this 45-minute webinar, Ryan and Rebekah will share the latest trends in recruitment, exploring how organisations are addressing skills shortages, meeting the demand for flexible work, and adapting to the changing expectations of today’s candidates. From the rise of AI-assisted applications to the impact of global DEI rollbacks on local employer brands, they’ll outline the trends that will define talent acquisition in 2025 and beyond.
In this session, we’ll cover:
- Evolving Hiring Trends – Gain insight into where job demand is expected to increase in the next year.
- Practical Strategies for Addressing Skills Shortages and Talent Demands – Learn how organisations are responding to economic pressures and shifting labour markets.
- Building an Authentic and Competitive Employer Brand – Discover how cultural fit and retention efforts can strengthen your recruitment strategy.
Learn how to build trust and strengthen your employer brand in an era where candidates are more informed than ever. Our experts will also discuss how HR teams can stay authentic and competitive in a rapidly shifting environment - ensuring your organisation’s values shine through at every touchpoint, from job adverts to interviews and beyond. Expect practical tips, straight-talking insights, and just enough humour to make your talent challenges feel (almost) manageable.
Got questions? Bring them along! Ryan and Rebekah will be answering audience questions, giving you the chance to get expert advice on the issues that matter most to you.
Check out previous discussions:
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