General Pension contribution rules are broadly similar in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The principal types of pension schemes are Occupational Schemes and Personal Pension schemes. An occupational scheme is one provided by an employer. An individual may join an employer’s scheme or opt to set up a personal pension scheme. He/she may also contribute […]
Minimum Notice The minimum notice periods required to terminate an employment contract are laid down by law. An employee who has worked for 1 month or more, must give and receive notice of termination of employment. These periods must be set out in the written employment particulars to be made available on the commencement of […]
Basis of Wrongful Dismissal There are two bases upon which an employee can complain about dismissal. Wrongful dismissal or termination, is a claim for breach of the employment contract. Generally, there will be no claim for wrongful dismissal if an employment contract has been terminated in accordance with its terms. There may, however, be a […]
Overview It is usually possible for an employer to terminate an employment contract at common law by simply giving the appropriate period of notice to terminate. There does not have to be a good reason or any reason at all. Because of the potential unfairness of this position, legislation was introduced to allow most employees […]
Procedures The time limit for lodging a claim with the Employment Tribunal is three months, less one day, from the effective date of termination of the contract of employment. This time limit will only be extended by a further three months, if the internal appeal is still ongoing after that date. In the event of […]
General An Employer must give a lump sum redundancy payment to individuals who are made redundant, who have at least two years’ continuous service and who meet certain other conditions. Employees qualify for redundancy payments if they work under a contract of employment. The employment must be terminated, in order for redundancy rights to apply. […]
General As in Ireland, there are a number of share option and share purchase schemes, which receive favourable tax treatment. They represent a means of rewarding and incentivising employees on a tax efficient basis. A share option is an offer to an employee of a right to purchase shares at a future date at an […]
Whistleblowing The Public Interest Disclosures Act provide a system to protect employees from the consequences of whistleblowing. The policy is to promote employees in revealing wrongdoing risks and shortcomings in workplaces without fear of reprisal. Whistleblowing protects workers. They are persons employed under employment contracts, certain contractors, agency workers, some work experience students and some […]
Employers Liability Insurance Unlike in Ireland, Employer’s Liability Insurance is compulsory in England and Wales. The insurance must cover the costs of compensation and legal fees for employees who are injured or made ill in work by reason of fault on the part of the employer. In practice, where an accident or injury occurs, it […]
General It is desirable for a business to produce a staff handbook setting out rules and procedures which staff need to know. A Handbook will help employees understand what is expected of them and how they should carry out their activities. A Handbook should include clear policies on important employment matters. It should help the […]