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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​While every care has been taken in compiling this content, the CIPD cannot 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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