This week's top 5 reads:

1. Irish CEOs prove they are a resilient lot 💪
2. Low Pay Commission expected to recommend increase of almost 5% to Ireland’s minimum wage 💰
3. Are you a Corporate catfish? 40% of hiring managers admit exaggerating job responsibilities 🎣
4. Half of Irish consumers would stop buying from an online retailer following a cyber-attack 🛍️
5. €7,500 award for employee subjected to 'vile' and threatening language by colleague ⚖️

And in other news....snag your early-bird ticket to our Annual Review of Employment Law before it disappears faster than a staff lunch in the office fridge!

**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.**

1. Case Law Reviews
2. Annual Review Session of the Week - A Solicitor’s Guide for HR: Negotiated Exits – How Safe are They?
3. AI and Employment Law
4. Pay
5. Cybersecurity
6. Bank boss warns we will have to work beyond 66
7. Data Reveals Work in Transition Driven by Competing Forces Reshaping Employee Experience
8. Just In Case You Missed It....
9. HR Developments
10. Employment News in the Media
11. Friends of Legal Island 

A Manager v A Financial Services Company ADJ-00053684

Summary: The WRC held that a manager’s dismissal for sexual harassment was disproportionate and procedurally unfair, awarding €16,350 compensation.

Practical Guidance for Employers: 

Employers should:

• Ensure disciplinary procedures strictly follow their own written policies and the statutory Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures. When misconduct is admitted, an investigation may be shorter. Note, employees must still receive clear allegations, access to evidence, and a genuine opportunity to respond. Panels must independently assess severity and consider alternatives such as warnings or demotion, rather than treating dismissal as automatic.
   
  
• Policies should be reviewed regularly. Where appeal rights exist, employees must be informed and allowed to exercise them. Documentation of each step protects fairness and defends against unfair-dismissal claims.
  

Read the full Review here: A Manager v A Financial Services Company [2025]

Raymond Nevin v Cpf (Profiles) Ltd ADJ-00054368

Summary: Member of the Traveller community discriminated in the workplace

Practical Guidance for Employers: 

Employers should:

• Employers should design interviews with clear, job-related criteria and avoid questions about family background, ethnicity, or place of origin. Even casual inquiries can imply bias and shift the legal burden of proof. 
   
  
• Derogatory terms or “jokes,” even when not directed at an employee, can create a hostile environment. Employers must set zero-tolerance policies for discriminatory language. 
   
  
• Maintain an up-to-date equal opportunities policy and employee handbook. Provide these documents to all staff and obtain signed acknowledgements. Records of training and policy distribution help demonstrate compliance if a claim arises.
   
  
• Deliver equality and diversity training for managers and staff. Audit recruitment and workplace practices regularly.

Read the full Review here: Raymond Nevin v Cpf (Profiles) Ltd [2025]

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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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It’s almost here! Legal Island’s Annual Review of Employment Law, our flagship event of the year takes place on 27th November, live at the Aviva Stadium (and online for those who prefer to tune in from afar).

This is the go-to event for HR professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve, get practical insights from leading experts, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of work.

Each week between now and the big day, we’ll shine a spotlight on the must-see sessions in this year’s packed programme.

Don’t miss out.  Check out the full line-up and secure your spot today. More details here.

Here is our session of the week:

A Solicitor’s Guide for HR: Negotiated Exits – How Safe are They?

I'm not sure this is working out... can we speak off the record?

It sounds like a simple conversation starter but under Irish employment law, even well-intentioned chats about an employee’s exit can carry serious risks.

Join Bernadette Day, Of Counsel at Simmons & Simmons, as she unpacks how HR can safely navigate these sensitive discussions. She’ll share practical guidance on when to bring in legal support, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to manage exits without opening the door to costly claims.

Whether you’re handling underperformance, trust issues or simply seeking a smoother resolution, this session will give you the confidence to approach difficult conversations strategically, legally and effectively.

For HR professionals in Ireland, this is a must-attend. Don’t assume the law protects you, discover how to protect yourself.

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Ireland designates AI Act enforcement bodies

Fifteen government bodies have been given responsibility for enforcing the new EU AI Act in a major milestone for Ireland’s implementation of the landmark law. A National AI Office will be established by 2 August 2026 to act as the central coordinating authority for the AI Act in Ireland. You can read more about this from Irish Legal News.

Are SMEs embracing AI correctly?

A significant shift in artificial intelligence adoption is underway among Ireland’s small and medium-sized businesses, with 80% expected to engage with AI tools within the next year. This is according to AI Horizons: Insights into AI Adoption, Security and Risk in Irish SMEs, a new report published by Viatel Technology Group in partnership with Amárach Research. The study, based on responses from 150 Irish business decision-makers, reveals that while nearly one-third of SMEs have yet to adopt AI, the landscape is changing rapidly. More from Think Business.

AI for HR Weekly Podcast – with Barry Phillips

This week's episode: AI in the Workplace – According to Three Recent Key Reports

This week Barry Phillips takes a look at what is going on in the workplace with AI according to three recent heavyweight reports.

You can tune into the latest episode right here - or, if you’re on the move, why not take us with you?

Listen on all major platforms: 🎧 Spotify🎧 Amazon Music 🎧 Apple Podcasts

Simply search for “AI for HR Weekly Podcast” and enjoy expert insights anytime, anywhere.

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Minister Dillon approves new Employment Regulation Order for workers in the Contract Cleaning Industry

The Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, has confirmed that he intends to sign a new Employment Regulation Order for the Contract Cleaning Industry. The Order will revoke the 2024 Order already in place for the Sector and will commence on 17 October 2025. It will provide for a new minimum rate of pay of €14.10 per hour. This rate of pay is to increase on the 1st of January 2026 to €14.80 per hour for workers in the Sector from that date onwards.

Industry groups hit out at proposed 5% increase to minimum wage

The Low Pay Commission is expected to recommend an increase of almost 5% to Ireland’s minimum wage, according to media reports. If accepted by Government and introduced in Budget 2026, the move would raise the statutory minimum wage from its current rate of €13.50 per hour to €14.15. More from Business Plus.

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Some airlines at Dublin Airport using ‘manual workarounds’ but Terminal 1 ‘operating as normal’

Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport is said to be “operating as normal” following an alleged cyber attack, but some airlines in Terminal 2 are using “manual workarounds”. Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin airports all experienced delays and disruption over the weekend following the “technical issue” affecting Collins Aerospace, which works for several airlines at multiple airports across the world reports the Journal.

Cyber attacks impacting consumer trust in online retailers – survey

More than half of Irish consumers would stop buying from an online retailer following a cyber-attack, according to a new survey. Just over a third of shoppers say they would make an informed decision based on the circumstances, while one in ten say they would be willing to return if the retailer resolved the issue quickly. The research, carried out for insurance broker Gallagher in Ireland, reveals that women are more forgiving than men. More from RTÉ.

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People will have to work beyond the normal retirement age of 66 to sustain current living standards, Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf warned. He also said the ageing population, declining fertility and shrinking workforces will drag on EU employment growth in the coming decades. More from Business Plus.

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Culture Amp’s mid-year 2025 benchmark data, reveals a workplace landscape in profound transition in the face of AI-driven disruption. While employee engagement continues on a downward trajectory with notable declines in energy and motivation, organizations are simultaneously seeing improvements in goal-setting processes and employees' ability to disconnect from work, creating a complex picture of contradictions that demands leadership attention. Find out more from HR Dive.

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Family Planning - An Employer's Guide

A recent WRC case, McGrath -v- Net Smart Security Limited, highlighted some common pitfalls for employers dealing with maternity and other types of family leave in the workplace. The Employment Team at EY Law Ireland have pulled together a useful round up of family leave entitlements in Ireland.  Read more here.

Frustration of an employment contract: what happens if a contract ends because an employee cannot secure accommodation?

Frustration of an employment contract occurs where performance of the contract becomes impossible due to an unforeseen event outside the control of either party. In such situations the contract is terminated by operation of law. Discover more in this article by Sinéad Morgan, Legal Director leading DAC Beachcroft Dublin's employment team.

Auto-Enrolment 2025: What HR Needs to Know and Do

Ireland’s new auto-enrolment scheme is going live and for HR teams, that means real changes to contracts, payroll, and how you communicate with staff. Yet, as RTÉ recently reported, 1 in 4 organisations still haven’t begun preparing. So, ask yourself: is your organisation ready? Or just hoping it all falls into place?

Caroline Reidy, MD, HR Suite addressed this in last week's webinar. Watch the recording here.

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The graduate guide to surviving workplace bullies: All you need to know 

Our very own, Knowledge Partner, Laura McKee provides some guidance on how graduates can manage difficult people in the workplace when they are just beginning their career. Read it in the Irish Times here.

Irish CEOs prove they are a resilient lot

Irish chief executives are demonstrating growing confidence in their ability to navigate persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainty, according to EY’s latest CEO Outlook. The survey, which canvassed more than 1,200 global CEOs including 40 in Ireland, reveals a strategic pivot toward regionalisation, automation, and targeted transformation as leaders seek to build long-term resilience. Think Business has more on this.

HR must help leaders routinize change to bolster adoption

Change has become ungovernable for leaders. For instance, in the last year:

• 63% of HR employees tell us that their organization expanded to a new geographic region or market.
• 79% made a significant technology platform change.
• 75% experienced one or more senior leader transitions.

You can download a copy of Gartner’s report here

What is corporate catfishing?

Catfishing normally refers to the act of creating a fake online identity to deceive others. But misleading employees with long lists of job perks that do not reflect reality – corporate catfishing − is widespread. A 2023 Resume Builder survey of hiring managers found that 40% admitted they exaggerate job responsibilities (40%), growth opportunities (39%) and career development (38%). Raconteur outlines the risks.

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A survival scheme for the Wellman International manufacturing and recycling business in Co Cavan has been approved by the High Court. The scheme involves restructuring of the company’s operations and a programme of compulsory redundancies cutting the workforce at its Mullagh plant from 203 to 138 people, reports the Irish Times.

A security guard who alleged that he was subjected to sexually threatening language by a colleague up to and including a threat of rape and related violence has been awarded €7,500 compensation. WRC Adjudicator, Pat Brady found that Patrick Kinsella was subjected to ‘vile’ language by a work colleague. Mr Brady has ordered Mr Kinsella's former employer, R.F.C Security Group to pay him €7,5000 after finding that Mr Kinsella suffered sexual harassment arising from language used under the Employment Equality Acts. The Sunday World has more on this story.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has begun a ballot of its members in Mayo University Hospital in response to what it described as "dangerous staffing shortfalls" in the hospital. The union has accused the HSE of failing to implement the Safe Staffing Framework, which sets out minimum staffing levels required for safe patient care reports RTÉ.

Yahoo New’s reports France's National Health Insurer reported blocking €42 million in sick leave fraud last year—more than twice the 2023 figure—though the true scale may be larger due to recent anti-fraud efforts and reliance on private investigators. These detectives, increasingly hired by companies to monitor suspicious employee behaviour, say demand for sick leave probes has surged, even overtaking traditional cases like infidelity. Read more here.

SIPTU has condemned the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Darragh O’Brien, for seeking to sign off on the private sale of Bord na Móna Recycling without having met with the workers directly affected, despite repeated requests from the Union, along with concerns following revelations relating to monies connected to the Bord na Móna Chief Executive Officer. Access the article here. 

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Open Competition: State Solicitor

The Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) is currently recruiting for the role of State Solicitor (fixed-term). For information on this role and how to apply you can find out more here.

Industrial Relations Officer position - Workplace Relations Commission

Opportunities now exist for suitably qualified and committed individuals to take up the role of Industrial Relations Officer (IRO). Vacancies currently exist in the Conciliation, Facilitation and Mediation Division and the Knowledge, Information and Advisory Services Division of the WRC. You can find out more here.

Enjoy your weekend!

Legal Island

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