Delivery Style
- Programme starting 19 March 2025 - Blended [4 days classroom (19 March 2025, 07 May 2025, 10 September 2025, 12 November 2025) / 8 days online]. Venue for classroom days: Ibec, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
- Programme starting 15 May 2025 - Online
- Programme starting 14 October 2025 - Blended [4 days classroom (14 Oct 2025, 02 December 2025, 10 Feb 2026, 14 Apr 2026) / 8 days online]. Venue for classroom days: Ibec, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
- Programme starting 13 November 2025 - Online
Summary
Advance your career path in employment law with this applied learning Diploma in Employment Law. Gain an in-depth knowledge of key employment legislation and a comprehensive understanding of case law and its application on this accredited programme.
Ibec Academy’s Employment Law course is widely acknowledged as Ireland’s number one learning experience of its kind. We use our extensive knowledge and expertise to guide you through how to apply the legislation in your industry and business.
At the end of the programme participants will:
- Acquire the ability to look at all situations with a critical eye to ensure that they can deal with a range of employment law issues that arise in their organisations
- Understand the pitfalls of not complying with the legislation
- Have the ability to ensure that all policies and procedures that they have in place comply with employment law
- Have an in-depth knowledge of key areas of employment legislation
- Gain confidence and knowledge to answer any queries regarding employment law that are to arise in the organisation
- Manage queries with confidence from staff in the area of employment law
This programme is for:
Participants who are looking for a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the whole area of employment law and those contemplating a career in people management, human resource management and related areas by focusing on the need for compliance with employment law.
Those who have completed a Certificate in Employment Law as well as those with several years of experience who would like to gain an accredited award.
Approach
This programme is delivered over a series of 12 full day sessions spread over 7-9 months to fit in with a full-time work schedule. Activities and case studies are used throughout the programme to apply the learning in a real way. The programme is delivered by experienced Ibec trainers who provide members with advice, consultancy and training on a daily basis. The programme leader encourages group discussion and involvement throughout each session, encouraging questions & discussion of real workplace issues. Best practice examples in all areas of Employment Law will be highlighted and discussed throughout the programme. Students get access to the new Ibec Academy portal for all material and their course schedule.
Accreditation & Submissions
This programme is accredited by TU Dublin at cpd Level 6 NFQ (20 ECTS). To achieve accreditation this course is assessed by exam and assignment submissions. Individual assessments are an integral part of the programme and count towards end of year results as follows:
- Exam - 50%
- Project (3,500 - 4,500 words) - 20%
- Assignment -20%
- Learning journal and class participation - 10%
70% attendance is required.
Programme Schedule
Introduction to Employment Law
- Sources of employment law
- Role of the players and institutions in Ireland
- Current employment legislation
- Restrictions on those who can work in Ireland including non-Irish Nationals and young people
- Juries Act 1976
Contracts of Employment
- What is a contract of employment?
- What is the difference between a contract “of” and a contract “for” employment?
- Terms of Employment (Information) Acts, 1994 and 2014
- National Minimum Wage, 2000 – 2015
- Payment of Wages Act, 1991
Employment Rights Bodies & Equality Legislation
- Workplace Relations Commission
- The Labour Court
- Nine categories of workers
- What is discrimination?
- Discrimination - from recruitment to termination of employment
- Equal pay
- Redress
Atypical Workers and Discipline & Dismissals
- Fixed term workers
- Part time workers
- Temporary agency workers
- Zero hours contracts
- Managing the poor performer
- When is a disciplinary action necessary?
- Rules for terminating an employee’s contract of employment
- Third party involvement
- The Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977 – 2015
Protective Leave and Introduction to Industrial Relations
- Maternity Protection Acts, 1994 and 2004
- Adoptive Leave Acts, 1995 and 2005.
- Carers Leave Act, 2001
- Parental Leave Acts, 1998 – 2006
- Paternity Leave and Benefits Act 2016
- Development of industrial relations in Ireland
- Trade unions, collective bargaining and trade disputes
Workplace Bullying and Harassment & Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997
- Defining bullying and harassment at work
- Investigating a complaint
- Dignity at work policy
- Preventing an issue arising
- Exclusions from this legislation
- Rest periods necessary
- Public holiday entitlements
- Annual leave entitlements
- Record keeping requirements
Redundancy and Data Protection
- Protection of Employment Acts, 1977 - 2014
- Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 - 2014
- Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act, 2007
- Data Protection Acts, 1988 and 2003
- The data protection principles
- The responsibilities of the data controller
- Dealing with a data request
- The Data Protection Commissioner
- Data protection and references
- GDPR
Occupational Health & Safety
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005
- Obligations under the Act
- Role of the safety representative
- Safety statements and risk assessments
- Protective and preventative measures
- Legal redress
Occupational Stress and Additional Legislation
- What is workplace stress?
- Employers responsibilities
- Preventative measures
- Managing stress
- Dealing with a stress related illness
- Protected Disclosures Act 2014
- Transfer of undertakings
- Information and consultation obligations
Accredited Partner
Collaborating since 2008 to deliver pragmatic education to support careers and organisational development
Programme Facilitator
Claire Jones
laire Jones is a Senior Executive with Ibec Academy, bringing over 25 years of experience to her role. She began her career in Ibec’s Legal Services department, where she spent 12 years specialising in employment law.
During this time, Claire provided expert advice and support to member organisations, developed employer guidelines on information and training, and represented members before employment rights bodies.
Claire has also represented Ibec on a range of national and international committees—including at the UN, EU level, and across Government and State Agencies—focused on employment law and human resources.
In her current role with Ibec Academy, Claire serves as Programme Director for several of Ibec’s accredited programmes, with a particular focus on employment law and human resource management. She also designs and delivers training for member organisations in areas such as employment law, industrial relations, HR, and management development.
Claire’s career spans both public and private sectors. She holds qualifications in law, business, employment law, adult education, and mediation, and has earned a Master’s degree (MSc) in Human Resource Management.
