This Week’s Top HR Insights 🚀

1. The AI job cuts are here… or are they? 🤖
2. Irish professionals are saying “no thanks” to jobs with these red flags 🚩
3. Flex and hybrid work — the secret sauce to unlocking top talent 🏠
4. Why learning cultures always win (take notes from Morgan McKinley) 🧠
5. FREE Webinar: When Life Happens — making sense of family leave in Irish workplaces 🍼

And in other news… our Chairman, Barry Phillips, turned 60 and thought, “Why not celebrate by doing an Ironman?” That’s a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle, and a full marathon — all before most of us have finished our second coffee. He’s putting himself through this madness to raise funds for Alzheimers.ie, a cause close to many hearts here. So if you’d like to support, you can donate here.

**Please note that a small number of people are experiencing some issues with our website, which may have impacted your view of the Friday Round-Up. If this is the case, please hold down Ctrl, Shift and the 'R' key. Hopefully this resolves any technical issues and you can view the full Friday-Round-Up. We apologise for any inconvenience in this regard.**

1. Case Law Reviews
2. Annual Review Session of the Week - How to Prepare for a WRC Adjudication Hearing
3. AI and Employment Law
4. Data Protection
5. Recruitment
6. Hybrid Working
7. Revenue Issues New Guidance On Termination Payments
8. 44% of Irish employers still have a gender pay gap
9. Just In Case You Missed It....
10. HR Developments
11. Employment News in the Media
12. Friends of Legal Island
13. Free Webinars This Month 

Evelyn Accoto v Academic Bridge Ltd ADJ-00057692

Summary: The WRC found that the employer failed to give the employee proper written notice of changes to her hours and breaks, breaching section 5 of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994.

Practical Guidance for Employers: 

Employers should:

• When altering any statutory particulars such as hours, breaks, place of work, etc., issue a targeted s.5 notice (in accordance with the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994) to each affected employee. It must be in writing, state the nature of the change and the date it takes effect. It should be delivered no later than the effective date. Do not rely on announcements, rotas, or general memos phrased as “proposals”. Convert proposals into a formal, dated notification once a decision is made.
   
  
• Run the statutory notice in parallel with any collective consultation. Union engagement about wider contract changes is welcomed but it is not a substitute for s.5 compliance. Record receipt (e-signature or read-receipt) and store the notice with the employee’s terms file.
   
  
• Adopt a compliance checklist. That is to identify which particulars are changing; draft the s.5 letter; include effective date(s); cross-check payroll, rosters and systems align on that date. Brief managers not to implement earlier. Where lead times are short, send an interim decision notice.

Read the full Review here: Evelyn Accoto v Academic Bridge Ltd [2025]

Sean McCabe v North Quay Associates Limited ADJ-00057702 

Summary: The WRC held that an employee had been underpaid for five public holidays, finding no evidence that his public-holiday entitlements were lawfully “rolled up” into his regular pay despite the employer’s TUPE-based defence.

Practical Guidance for Employers: 

Employers should:

• Note, where public-holiday pay is ‘rolled up’ or annualised, document the mechanism clearly.  Identify the hours uplift, the calculation that links the uplift, and how any additional public holidays are handled. Reflect this in contracts, pay policies, and itemised payslips. Also note, TUPE does not cure ambiguity.  
   
  
• Audit payroll for traceability. Even if you annualise, employees (and inspectors) should be able to reconcile that public-holiday pay has been provided. Absence of such evidence will usually defeat a rolled-up defence.
   
  
• When terms appear to shift, issue a s.5 Notice (in accordance with the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994) confirming the nature and effective date of any change, consult with employees/union, and confirm how public holidays will be paid. Train supervisors to avoid ad hoc explanations; route all pay-entitlement queries through HR/payroll with a written response that can be produced at a hearing.

Read the full Review here: Sean McCabe v North Quay Associates Limited [2025]

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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: 

How to Prepare for a WRC Adjudication Hearing

Get the insider’s view on what really matters when preparing for a WRC adjudication hearing. In this rare opportunity to hear directly from an Adjudicator, Lefre De Burgh BL of the WRC will share practical tips on how to present your case with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and understand what adjudication officers are really looking for.

From organising your evidence to navigating procedure after the Zalewski decision, this session will give you the clarity and know-how to approach any hearing whether you’re supporting an employer or an employee with calm, confidence, and credibility.

Back to Top

Guidance on the use of AI tools to prepare material for submission to the WRC

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to all parties who come before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) who may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to prepare written submissions or documents for use as evidence in their case. Read in full.

Character.AI bans users under 18 after being sued over child’s suicide

The chatbot company Character.AI will ban users 18 and under from conversing with its virtual companions beginning in late November after months of legal scrutiny. The announced change comes after the company, which enables its users to create characters with which they can have open-ended conversations, faced tough questions over how these AI companions can affect teen and general mental health, including a lawsuit over a child’s suicide and a proposed bill that would ban minors from conversing with AI companions. More.

AI upskilling through apprenticeships

As Large Language Models (LLM) like ChatGPT are changing the way we do business, Dale Walker, Director of Education at Apprentify, argues the case for making apprenticeships a key pillar to equip your business for an AI centric future. Faced with what they perceive as a threat to the status quo, human beings will often revert to the ‘freeze’ instinct. The idea of AI is uncomfortable; it shakes up entrenched beliefs about how your business delivers value. But previous revolutions have taught us that doing nothing is not an option. Think back to the Covid pandemic, if companies had not moved to remote or hybrid working, they would have failed; bricks and mortar retailers that didn’t offer an online channel would have gone bust. Read full analysis by HR Director.

The AI job cuts are here - or are they?

Amazon's move this week to slash thousands of corporate jobs fed into a longstanding anxiety: that Artificial Intelligence is starting to replace workers. The tech giant joined a growing list of companies in the US that have pointed to AI technology as a reason behind layoffs. But some question whether AI is fully to blame - and have voiced scepticism that recent high-profile layoffs are a telling sign of the technology's effect on employment. Chegg, the online education firm, cited the "new realities" of AI as it announced a 45% reduction in workforce on Monday. When Salesforce cut 4,000 customer service roles last month, its chief executive said AI agents were doing the work. Read the full story in BBC News.

AI for HR Weekly Podcast – with Barry Phillips

This week's episode: Latest Report on AI adoption Figures in the Workplace

This week Barry Phillips looks at the latest AI adoption figures in the US and draws conclusions for us here in Ireland and the UK.

 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.

Back to Top

EU preliminarily finds Meta and TikTok breached DSA transparency rules

Meta and TikTok have both come under EU scrutiny before for breaching the region’s regulations. The European Commission, in a preliminary ruling, has found that Meta does not provide Instagram and Facebook users with simple mechanisms to notify illegal content or challenge content moderation decisions. In its ruling on 24 October, the Commission also found that Meta and TikTok breached their legal obligation to provide researchers with adequate access to public data. Silicon Republic has more. 

Back to Top

Irish professionals have declined jobs due to these red flags

Seven in 10 (70%) Irish professionals have declined jobs after a poor interview experience, according to research from recruiter Robert Walters. Despite this, three in five hiring managers admit they have never received formal training in how to conduct interviews, highlighting a disconnect between company practices and job seekers’ expectations. After poor experience, disorganised scheduling or processes (32%) was cited as the next biggest red flag due to the uncertainty it creates about how the process is being managed. Business Plus has more here.

Back to Top

Do flexible workspaces encourage more engagement?

A new report highlights the barriers part-time employees face and how challenges can be overcome. International Workplace Group (IWG), a company that specialises in offering flexible workplace solutions, has released a survey exploring the potential of hybrid working arrangements as a means of boosting productivity and encouraging skilled people to return to the workforce. The survey was conducted by Censuswide and included data from 2,000 globally dispersed current and former part-time employees. More from Silicon Republic.

Flexible and hybrid work models key to tapping into pool of skilled labour

As Ireland continues to focus on economic growth, new research from the International Workplace Group (IWG) suggests that flexible and hybrid work models could be key to tapping into a vast pool of skilled labour — particularly among part-time workers. According to IWG’s latest report, 44% of former part-time workers are considering rejoining the workforce thanks to greater workplace flexibility. The study highlights that rising commuting costs remain the biggest barrier discouraging people from staying in or returning to work. Read the full story from Business Plus.

Still having hybrid working headaches? Join Caroline Reidy, HR Suite at this year's Annual Review of Employment Law on 27th November to find out how to make hybrid work for your organisation. More details here.

Back to Top

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual on Payments on Termination of an Office or Employment or Removal from an Office or Employment. The principal update incorporated was to account for the impact of unpaid leave on the calculation of the taxable amount of any ex-gratia lump sum payment.

The Standard Capital Superannuation Benefit (“SCSB”) is a form of tax relief available in Ireland that can reduce the taxable portion of an ex-gratia termination payment. This relief is particularly relevant for individuals with long service and higher earnings. The SCSB can be claimed where the amount of the relief available under it, exceeds the relief under the basic (and possibly increased) exemption.

Read the full article in HRHQ here.

Back to Top

Nearly half of Irish employers admit to there being a gender pay gap within their organisation, according to research by payroll and HR technology provider SD Worx Ireland. The survey of 1,000 employees and 30 employers in Ireland on topics relating to gender pay gaps and pay transparency was carried out for the company by iVOX. In addition to the 44% of firms that claimed to have a gender pay gap, 49% said they have a gender imbalance in senior roles, which is the highest percentage in Europe. Catch up.

Back to Top

A sexual harassment complaint needs investigating - How do I handle it?

An employee has recently raised a complaint of sexual harassment against another employee, and I want to ensure that the investigation is carried out fairly. Is there anything that I, as an employer, should keep in mind while carrying out this investigation? How do I handle it? Isabelle Mannix, Solicitor at RDJ LLP, provides guidance.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

In today’s workplace, technical skills alone are no longer enough to drive sustainable success. Emotional Intelligence (EI), the ability to understand and manage emotions, both one's own and others’, has emerged as a crucial leadership competency. For business leaders and senior executives, fostering an emotionally intelligent workplace can lead to improved collaboration, innovation, and overall organisational resilience. In this article, Ryan Calvert of MCS explores the essential role of emotional intelligence in the modern workplace and its significance in recruitment. Read here.

Reintegration After Maternity Leave: What can employers do to help?

For many women, maternity leave is one of the most transformative and sometimes, exhausting chapters of their lives. When the time comes to return to work, that transition can be challenging and the employee may not always receive support and inclusion. Caroline Ready of the HR Suite has more here. 

Back to Top

Why Learning Cultures Outperform: Lessons from Morgan McKinley’s L&D Journey

In every company that grows and lasts, learning is part of the job. The most forward-thinking employers have realised that the real driver of performance isn’t just hiring great people; it’s helping them keep getting better. When people develop new skills, their confidence rises, innovation occurs more quickly, and teams remain more cohesive.

But here’s the thing: learning and development (L&D) only works when it’s more than a series of courses. It has to feel connected to what people actually do. That’s where Morgan McKinley’s story comes in as a live example of what happens when L&D becomes part of the organisation’s DNA rather than a standalone function. Read more from Morgan McKinley here.

Ghosting employers at Halloween and other likely tales …

This week’s Personnel Today HR round-up takes a playful look at the lighter side of working life. From the rise of “performative matcha men” – managers more focused on looking mindful than offering genuine support – to warnings about the “Greenwich Mean Time slump” as clocks go back, there’s plenty to keep workplaces entertained. And with Halloween here, “ghosting” is back in the spotlight, as more employers than candidates vanish without a trace after interviews. A timely reminder, perhaps, to keep communication (and social media profiles) polished and to enjoy that extra hour in bed responsibly. More from Personnel Today here.

Back to Top

A care home worker whose manager said her "attitude" might be due to her Polish nationality and said Irish people were "nicer and kinder" has been awarded €1,800 for racial discrimination. The worker, Sylwia Szuba, secured the award on foot of a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 against Esker Property Holdings Ltd, trading as Hazel Hall Nursing Home in Clane, Co Kildare. Ms Szuba was three months into probationary employment as an activities co-ordinator earning €14.50 an hour for a 28-hour week at the old folks' home when she took issue with comments made to her by her manager on 5 March 2024. RTÉ has more.

In Sweden 70 car mechanics are continuing to take on one of the world's richest companies – Tesla. The strike at the US carmaker's 10 Swedish service centres has now reached its second anniversary, and there is little prospect of a resolution. The strike concerns an issue that goes to the heart of Swedish industrial culture - the right of trade unions to negotiate pay and conditions on behalf of their members. This concept of collective agreement has underpinned industrial relations in Sweden for nearly a century. BBC has the full story.

Around 150 employees at Amazon in Ireland are set to be impacted as a result of job cuts at the company, RTÉ News understands. The tech giant today announced it will reduce its global corporate workforce by about 14,000 people, in a major shakeup driven in part by adoption of artificial intelligence that will result in more cuts next year as well. Amazon employs around 6,500 people in Cork, Dublin, and Drogheda across corporate offices, operations sites, data centres and a customer service centre. RTÉ has more on this story here.

Ireland's only ladder factory has been ordered to pay €6,000 to a former office worker for making her redundant while she was out on maternity leave last year. Stradbally Ladders Ltd in Co Laois was directed to pay the compensation under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 after the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled the firm had breached the statutory maternity protections for employee Joanne Kennedy. RTÉ has more.

Back to Top

Dementia Fundraiser

This year, our Chairman and founder, Barry Phillips, achieved his 60th orbit around the sun. To mark the occasion (and maybe prove he’s still got it), he decided to take on an Ironman - that’s a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle, and a full marathon run. All in one day. Madness? Probably.

Over the years at Legal Island, Barry’s seen many of us juggling work while caring for loved ones affected by dementia. It’s something that’s touched a lot of people here, and it’s left a lasting impression on him.

So, in honour of those families — and everyone living with dementia — Barry’s raising funds for Alzheimers.ie. If this cause means something to you too, and you’d like to chip in, even a small donation would make a real difference. You’ll find the link below and a big thank you in advance.

Donate HERE.

Back to Top

FREE Webinar: When Life Happens: Making Sense of Family Leave in the Irish Workplace

📅 Thursday 6th November 2025

🕒 11am to 11.45am

📍 Live online | Free to attend 

REGISTER HERE.

Winter is coming and so are the coughs, colds and caring emergencies. As HR professionals know all too well, this is the season when requests for time off multiply: “My child’s sick again”, “Mum’s had a fall”, “I need time for a doctor’s appointment”.

But which type of leave actually applies? Force majeure? Compassionate? Parental? Carer’s? It can feel like an alphabet soup of entitlements and one wrong move can leave an employer exposed.

Join Aoife Gallagher-Watson, Director, Employment Law, EY Law Ireland and Laura McKee, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island for a lively, plain-speaking session that cuts through the confusion. Together they’ll help you:

• Decode the differences between force majeure, compassionate and carer’s leave
  
• Clarify employee rights on parental, parent’s, maternity, paternity and antenatal leave
  
• Handle those tricky “life happens” conversations with confidence and fairness

Expect practical examples, expert insights, and a few light-bulb moments along the way.

We’ll wrap up with time for your toughest questions or you can send them in anonymously in advance if you prefer to gosia@legal-island.com

It’s 45 minutes that could save you hours of head-scratching this winter.

Check out previous discussions:
Legal Island's Webinar & Podcasts

Enjoy your long weekend!

Legal Island

Back to Top