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Ireland
Essentials of Employment Law in Ireland
Wednesday, 04 June 2025
09:15 - 13:00 ( 3 hours 45 mins )
Online
2 Half Days - 4th & 5th June
Gain a solid understanding of Ireland-specific employment law in this interactive 2 x half-day online course. Led by expert trainers, the course covers key topics like contracts, disciplinary procedures, dismissals, and grievances, with practical exercises and e-learning resources to reinforce learning.
Essentials of Employment Law
Event details
About the event?
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4th June 2 Half Days - 4th & 5th June
Online Zoom
€445.00 Early bird ends 30th April 2025 at 5:00pm. Standard rate: €495.00 Charity and Small Business rate also available
Overview

Navigate Ireland's Employment Laws with Confidence  

The Essentials of Employment Law online course is specifically designed to give attendees a thorough grounding in the main components of Irish employment law.  With so many changes taking place in today’s workplaces, including blended working, an understanding of core employment laws is now more important than ever before.

This is an interactive 2 x half-day course, delivered by a team of highly experienced employment law experts.  The sessions will be supported by a comprehensive pack of notes on Irish employment law as well as a number of practical exercises throughout the sessions to help enforce learning.  The online sessions will also be complemented with access to a number of additional e-learning programmes aimed to help supplement attendees’ understanding of Employment Laws in Ireland.

What are the learning outcomes?

By the end of this course, attendees will:

  • Have a clear understanding of the key points and principles of employment law in ROI.
  • Understand the concept of natural justice in disciplinary and grievance procedures.
  • Understand the importance of following organisational policies and procedures.
  • Be able to understand and handle common workplace scenarios, having learnt through worked examples.

What will be covered?

  • Sources of employment law and the roles of the Workplace Relations Commission
  • Contracts of employment
  • Employment equality and discrimination issues
  • Fair procedures in discipline and dismissals
  • Key developments in employment law

Additional learning aids:

In addition to attending the live sessions with our experts, attendees will have exclusive access to the following e-learning programmes to complete in their own time:

  • Whistleblowing Awareness in the Workplace
  • Data Protection in the Workplace
  • Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace

Who should attend this event?

Anyone with a need to know the main building blocks of Irish employment law including HR Managers, Supervisors, line managers, In-house Lawyers and Legal & HR Advisers. Ideal for those new to employment law or seeking a refresher course. 

This training is not suitable for those with extensive knowledge of Irish employment law.

Why should you attend this event?

The Essentials of Employment Law online course is specifically designed to give attendees a thorough grounding in the main components of Irish employment law.  An understanding of core Irish-specific employment laws is more important than ever before.

Programme

A detailed look at Essentials of Employment Law in Ireland...

Time
Session
09:10 am

Day 1

Welcome & Introduction

An introduction to the first day of the event, with Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island.

Julie holmes
Julie Holmes Knowledge Partner, Legal Island
09:20 am
Irish Employment Law in Context

Join our expert HR Consultant and former Adjudication Officer, Dr Gerry McMahon, as he breaks down the key legal frameworks shaping the employer-employee relationship. This practical session will equip you with essential knowledge of:

  • The Irish Constitution and its impact on workplace rights
  • Domestic and EU legislation driving employment law compliance
  • Key case law that sets crucial legal precedents
  • Industrial relations law, including collective agreements, Employment Regulation Orders, and Sectoral Employment Orders
  • Custom and practice as an influential factor in employment disputes
Gerrys L I Head Shot resized
Dr. Gerry McMahon MD, Productive Personnel Ltd
09:40 am
Q&A
Gerrys L I Head Shot resized
Dr. Gerry McMahon MD, Productive Personnel Ltd
09:45 am
Role of the WRC and the Irish Courts’ System for enforcement of employment rights

Dr Gerry McMahon looks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and its vital role in upholding employment rights. Gain a clear understanding of how the WRC:

  • Provides essential guidance on employment rights and responsibilities
  • Conducts workplace inspections to ensure compliance
  • Delivers adjudication services for workplace disputes


We'll also explore the options available for those seeking to appeal a WRC decision or pursue alternative routes to redress. Equip yourself with the knowledge to manage workplace disputes effectively.

Gerrys L I Head Shot resized
Dr. Gerry McMahon MD, Productive Personnel Ltd
10:15 am
Comfort Break
00:25 am
Contracts of Employment Part 1

A well-structured employment contract is more than just a legal requirement - it sets the foundation for a strong employer-employee relationship. Contracts include both written and implied terms, shaped by legislation, industry standards, and the evolving competition for talent.

In this expert-led session, Grace Lee, Associate from the Lewis Silkin team, will provide essential insights on:

  • Different types of employment, including permanent, fixed-term, agency, and full/part-time roles
  • Employment status considerations, including the gig economy and its legal implications

The key elements of a legally binding employment contract—offer, acceptance, consideration, certainty, and enforceability

Grace lee
Grace Lee Associate, Lewis Silkin
10:55 am
Q&A
Grace lee
Grace Lee Associate, Lewis Silkin
11:00 am
Refreshment Break
11:30 am
Contracts of Employment Part 2

Catherine Hayes, Managing Associate at Lewis Silkin continues with Contracts of Employment, building on the foundations of employment contracts, Catherine explores the key contractual terms that shape the modern workplace. This session will equip you with the essential knowledge to effectively manage:

  • Essential written terms of employment, including probation, minimum terms, remote and hybrid working, EU requirements, and the role of employee handbooks in setting out key policies and procedures
  • Core employment rights covering pay, working hours, holiday entitlement, and statutory sick pay (SSP)
  • Best practices for varying contracts of employment while ensuring legal compliance and maintaining positive employee relations

Gain the expertise to draft, manage, and adapt employment contracts effectively in a changing work environment.

Catherine hayes
Catherine Hayes Senior Associate
11:25 am
Q&A
Catherine hayes
Catherine Hayes Senior Associate
00:15 am
Interactive Exercise – Varying a Contact of Employment and Q&A with Catherine Hayes
Catherine hayes
Catherine Hayes Senior Associate
00:50 am
Close of Day 1
09:10 am

Day 2

Welcome to Day 2

With Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island

Julie holmes
Julie Holmes Knowledge Partner, Legal Island
09:15 am
Discrimination and Employment Equality Part 1

Join Marian Jennings, Solicitor and Employment Law Lecturer, for a comprehensive session on the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015. This session will provide essential guidance on:

  • The scope of the Employment Equality Acts and their impact on workplace practices
  • The nine protected grounds and recent legal developments affecting equality at work
  • Key definitions, including direct and indirect discrimination, victimisation, harassment, and vicarious liability
  • Best practices for ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process while avoiding discriminatory pitfalls

This session will help you to promote workplace equality, reduce legal risks and create a more inclusive organisational culture.

Marian jennings
Marian Jennings Specialist in Employment & Business Law
09:45 am
Q&A
Marian jennings
Marian Jennings Specialist in Employment & Business Law
09:50 am
Comfort Break
10:00 am
Discrimination and Equality Part 2

Building on the foundations of workplace equality, Marian explores the practical implications of the Employment Equality Acts and what you need to know. This session will cover:

  • Pregnancy and maternity rights and their impact on workplace policies
  • The Harassment & Sexual Harassment Code of Practice and how to ensure compliance
  • Disability discrimination and the employer’s duty to provide reasonable accommodations
  • Equal pay obligations and the latest requirements for gender pay gap reporting
  • Retirement age and dismissal—understanding legal considerations and best practices

Stay informed and proactive in managing equality-related challenges in the workplace

Marian jennings
Marian Jennings Specialist in Employment & Business Law
10:30 am
Q&A
Marian jennings
Marian Jennings Specialist in Employment & Business Law
11:00 am
Refreshment Break
11:30 am
Discipline and Dismissal

Fair procedures are critical in any dismissal process—not only to demonstrate fairness but to protect your organisation from legal risk. Niamh Crotty, Senior Associate at Lewis Silken, breaks down what fair procedures really mean and examines employees' rights under unfair dismissal legislation. Key topics include:

  • The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1997–2015 – employer obligations and employee rights
  • Fair procedures – the essential steps every employer must follow
  • Wrongful dismissal – including the risks of injunctions and legal claims

Understand how to manage dismissals lawfully and fairly, ensuring compliance while safeguarding your organisation.

Niamh crotty
Niamh Crotty Senior Associate, Lewis Silkin
12:15 pm
Q&A
Niamh crotty
Niamh Crotty Senior Associate, Lewis Silkin
12:30 pm
Key Developments in Employment Law in the Next 12 Months

2024 was another very busy year in employment law in Ireland, with several key developments taking effect. There were some significant decisions handed down by the courts and WRC last year, as well as legislation being passed or proposed. 

In this closing session, Niamh Crotty will break down the latest key employment law developments and look ahead to what employers can expect.

Stay ahead of legislative changes and ensure your organisation is prepared for what’s coming next.

Niamh crotty
Niamh Crotty Senior Associate, Lewis Silkin
12:50 pm
FInal Q&A and Close of Event
Testimonials

Feedback that speaks volumes...

Here's what our previous attendees had to say.

"It was really simple to understand and to follow. Loads of information provided and notes were provided to understand what was discussed"
Caz Morgan HR Coordinator, Stantec
"Good knowledgeable speakers, a range of great topics."
Michaela Willis HR Manager, Sherwin Williams
Presenters
Explore the presenters on the day
Niamh Crotty Senior Associate, Lewis Silkin
Niamh Crotty Senior Associate, Lewis Silkin
Niamh crotty

Niamh is a senior associate in Lewis Silkin’s Employment, Immigration and Reward division based in Dublin.

Niamh advises on the full range of day to day employment matters, such as contract and policy reviews, providing support with investigations, grievances and disciplinary processes, advising on severance negotiations and other employee relations matters. She also has experience advising on large collective redundancy processes and acting for employers defending employee claims in the WRC and Labour Court. She was previously based in Lewis Silkin’s London office.

She is particularly interested in the future of work and supports Lewis Silkin's innovative Future of Work Hub initiative which aims to support organisations in their horizon-scanning to enable them to see ahead, identify and anticipate future opportunities and challenges and evaluate how best to respond. She is currently a part-time student of Dublin City University's MSc in Work and Organisational Behaviour.

Catherine Hayes Senior Associate
Catherine Hayes Senior Associate
Catherine hayes

I am a Senior Associate in the Employment, Immigration and Reward team based in the Dublin office. I advise on the full spectrum of employment law issues, which includes advising on employee entitlements, disciplinary and grievance issues, handling severance negotiations, delivering client training and advising on issues arising out of corporate mergers and re-organisations. I hold a Diploma in Employment Law and a Certificate in Data Protection Law from the Law Society of Ireland. I am both Irish and England and Wales qualified and was based in the London office for 5 years. I am a member of the Technology industry sector focus group and advise a number of international technology clients based in Ireland, the UK and overseas.

Marian Jennings Specialist in Employment & Business Law
Marian Jennings Specialist in Employment & Business Law
Marian jennings

Marian is an experienced Law Lecturer, with a specialist offering developed over 20 years, in Employment and Business Law. She offers the combined value of a proven track record in academia together with professional private practice/in-house legal roles and significant board, governance and organisational management experience in the community and voluntary sector.

Grace Lee Associate, Lewis Silkin
Grace Lee Associate, Lewis Silkin
Grace lee

Grace is an Associate on the Employment Team at Lewis Silkin.

Grace supports employers from various sectors on all aspects of employment law. She advises employers on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment issues. Her expertise includes advising on day-to-day general employment law issues such as redundancy processes, employment contracts, company policies and handbooks, advising on settlement negotiations and disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Grace also assists with claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, and other employment law claims before the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court, the Circuit and High Courts.

.

Dr. Gerry McMahon MD, Productive Personnel Ltd
Dr. Gerry McMahon MD, Productive Personnel Ltd
Gerrys L I Head Shot resized

Gerry McMahon is an acknowledged national expert in People Management.  He has over 35 years’ experience - as a workplace investigator (on bullying/harassment/ disciplinary/dismissal/grievance issues), trainer, negotiator, facilitator, mediator, arbitrator and team builder - across a wide range of employment sectors. He is the M.D. of the H.R. training and advisory company Productive Personnel Ltd. 

Gerry has also had an extensive range of books and articles published and been a columnist with the Industrial Relations News, Irish Times, Sunday Business Post, and Irish Independent and expert commentator on H.R./Employee Relations for R.T.E. and TV3/Virgin. He has also served on numerous Legal Island and C.I.P.D. judging panels and is a Council member of the Irish Association for Industrial Relations.

Contact: Tel. 087-2471415; E-Mail: ppl1gerry@gmail.com

Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing...

Virtual
Early bird offer
€445.00 Standard Rate: €495.00 Early bird ends 30th April 2025 at 5:00pm
Early bird offer ends in:
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More Charity & Small Business pricing
Online Standard Rate: €455.00 Early Bird: €395.00 (Ends 30th April 2025 at 5:00pm)

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