Essential points

  • An employee who believes that their employer has infringed their rights may bring an individual complaint in the first instance to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
  • Their case will be heard by an adjudication officer of the WRC who will make a decision in respect of the complaint and who may, if appropriate order redress for the employee.  
  • Either (or both) parties may appeal the decision to the Labour Court, which will in that event fully re-hear the case and make a fresh decision. 
  • Decisions of the Labour Court can be further appealed, but only on a point of law, to the High Court.
  • A separate inspection and compliance function is fulfilled by inspectors of the WRC. These inspectors do not order redress for individual employees. They have a number of methods by which they can compel employers to comply with employment laws.

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Please note

While every care has been taken in compiling this content, neither the CIPD nor Byrne Wallace Shields may be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.

 

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