Summary
This programme introduces participants to the employment legislation area. It focuses on the areas of critical importance with regards to compliance through practical examples, case law and current best practice.
At the end of the programme participants will:
- Understand the main areas of employment law
- Write appropriate contracts of employment including permanent, fixed-term and specified-purpose contracts
- Understand the implications of employing contractors and Temporary Agency workers
- Ensure that the organisation is compliant with equality legislation including at the recruitment and selection stage, the discipline and dismissal stage and all stages in between
- Deal with queries and questions in the areas of protective leave and working time
- Deal with an investigation into a grievance, a disciplinary issue or a bullying and harassment issue
- Ensure that any dismissals including for conduct or capability or by reason of redundancy are carried out successfully
- Critically review existing policies and procedures
- Know current best-practice approach to dealing with issues in the area of employment law
This programme is for:
Managers and HR specialists who are looking for the most up to date information on the area of employment law. HR specialists from outside the jurisdiction interested to get a greater understanding of the legislation in Ireland.
Approach
There are a number of activities and case studies as part of the course to ensure that the key knowledge and skills are practised. The programme is delivered by experienced Ibec Executives who provide members with advice, consultancy and training on a daily basis. Programme participants are encouraged to express their views and experiences. The programme facilitates participant discussion to ensure a thorough understanding of the key points and their application. Real life case studies and exercises will be used to ensure a real practical understanding of each topic.
Programme Schedule
Contracts of Employment
- The principles of contracts i.e. offer acceptance, consideration
- Contracts of service vs contracts for service
- Fixed term contracts & specified purpose contracts
- User friendly points when drafting a contract
Atypical Workers
- Fixed term Workers
- Part Time Workers
- Temporary Agency Workers
Protective Leave
- Maternity Leave
- Adoptive Leave
- Parental Leave
- Carer’s Leave
Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997
- Hours of Work
- Breaks
- Annual Leave
- Record Keeping / NERA
- Recent Cases
Discipline and Dismissal
- Importance of Fair Procedures
- Dealing with Misconduct
- Other reasons for dismissal
- Managing Absenteeism
- Managing the poor performer
- Recent Case Law
Equality Legislation and Bullying and Harassment
- Nine Grounds
- Kinds of Discrimination
- Conditions of Employment
- Discriminatory Dismissal
- Defining Bullying & Harassment
- Preventing Issues
- Dealing with and Investigating allegations
- Redress
- Recent cases
Programme Directors
Claire Jones
Claire 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.
