Essentials of Employment Law in Ireland

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Wednesday, 29 April 2026

09:15 - 13:00 ( 3 hours 45 mins )

Online

2 Half Days - 29th & 30th April

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.

Event details

About the event?

29th April 2 Half Days - 29th & 30th April

Online Zoom

€465.00 Early bird ends 18th March 2026 at 5:00pm. Standard rate: €515.00 Charity and Small Business rate also available

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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 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

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.

Dr. Gerry McMahon MD, Productive Personnel Ltd

10:05 am

Q&A

Dr. Gerry McMahon MD, Productive Personnel Ltd

10:15 am

Comfort Break

10:25 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, the employment law team at Matheson, 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

10:55 am

Refreshment Break

11:25 am

Contracts of Employment Part 2

The employment law team at Matheson continues with Contracts of Employment, building on the foundations of employment contracts. They will explore 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.

Includes a 10-minute Q&A.

Catherine Hayes Senior Associate, Lewis Silkin

12:15 pm

Interactive Exercise – Varying a Contact of Employment and Q&A with Expert at Matheson

12:50 pm

Close of Day 1

09:10 am

Day 2

Welcome to Day 2

With Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island

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 Specialist in Employment & Business Law

09:45 am

Q&A

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.

Includes Q&A with Marian.

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. The employment law team at Mathesons will break down what fair procedures really mean and examine 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.

Includes Q&A.

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, Matheson 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.

12:50 pm

FInal Q&A and Close of Event

Testimonials