The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) published its 2024 Annual Report earlier this year, shedding light on the most common workplace disputes and employment law trends in Ireland. We are revisiting the report in this summary as it is a valuable resource for understanding the common challenges and disputes employers and employees face in the context of employment law.
Complaints on the Rise:
In 2024, the WRC received 7,316 complaints — an increase of over 18% compared to the previous year. The most frequent reasons for these complaints were:
- Pay (3,995 claims)
- Unfair Dismissal (2,285 claims)
- Discrimination, Equality, Equal Status (2,063 claims)
- Terms and Conditions of Employment (1,377 claims)
- Hours of Work (1,297 claims)
How Disputes Are Handled
Throughout 2024, 9,054 adjudication cases were scheduled for hearing, but only 4,779 were actually concluded. The report attributes the apparent delays due to:
- Increased complexity of disputes
- Detailed cross-examinations under oath
- Late submission of documents
- Scheduling difficulties causing requests for adjournments
Of the cases decided in 2024, 2,712 received formal decisions or recommendations. Interestingly, only 16% of these decisions and recommendations were appealed to the Labour Court. Of those appeals:
- 58% were upheld (meaning the original decision was confirmed)
- 26% were overturned
- 15.5% were amended or varied
- 5% were dismissed for being submitted too late
Employer Inspections and Compliance:
Aside from resolving disputes, the WRC also carries out inspections and audits to ensure employers are in compliance with their obligations under employment law in Ireland. In 2024, the WRC completed 5,156 inspections, either by appointment or unannounced. Out of these:
- 2,108 inspections found breaches of employment law
- Over €2.15 million in unpaid wages was recovered for workers
The good news is that most employers inspected either demonstrated compliance with or made improvements after the inspections to evidence compliance with Irish employment law. For those who resisted, the WRC initiated legal proceedings, leading to 141 successful prosecutions out of 175 applications.
What This Means for Employers:
The report clearly highlights the ongoing issues around pay, unfair dismissal, equality, and working hours as the top sources of conflict in Irish workplaces. To reduce disputes, employers should:
- Have clear and up-to-date terms of employment
- Maintain thorough work records
- Implement clear internal policies for handling disputes
- Provide regular training for both employees and management
By taking these steps, employers can help create a fairer and more compliant workplace, ultimately reducing conflict and improving employee relations.
For more information, please contact Patrick Watters or your usual contact on the Beauchamps Employment and Benefits Team.
