Employment Matters

04/06/2026

Over the last two weeks, we have achieved €299,000 in client outcomes.

Employment disputes are rarely just about money.

They are about dignity, confidence, accountability, reputation, and finding a way forward.

For employees, workplace disputes can have a serious personal and financial impact.

For employers, getting workplace issues wrong can create significant risk, cost, disruption and reputational damage.

These recent outcomes are a reminder of how important it is to get workplace issues right from the beginning — and to seek clear advice when difficulties arise.

Whether we are supporting employees seeking accountability, or employers seeking to manage risk and protect their business, our focus remains the same:

Helping clients navigate difficult workplace situations and achieve the best possible outcome.

We are proud to have played a part in these results.

Need advice on an employment law issue?
Get in touch with our team today.

03/06/2026

Probation is not a free pass.

For many Irish employers, probation can feel like a safety net — but dismissing a new employee still needs care, structure and documentation.

While ordinary unfair dismissal claims usually require 12 months’ service in Ireland, employers can still face risk where an early-stage dismissal involves issues such as discrimination, pregnancy, protected disclosures, contractual rights or poor process.

Our latest article looks at what Irish employers should know before dismissing an employee during probation, including:

✔ Why the 12-month rule does not mean “no risk”
✔ Common mistakes employers make during probation
✔ Why documentation matters from day one
✔ Practical steps to reduce dismissal exposure

Read the full article here: https://www.ormondesolicitors.ie/probation-periods-in-ireland-what-employers-need-to-know-before-dismissing-a-new-employee/

02/06/2026

Most workplace disputes do not begin as legal disputes.

They often begin with ordinary workplace issues — a grievance, an absence, a difficult management decision, an investigation, or questions around employee information.

Even well-run organisations can face difficult employment disputes. The employers best placed to navigate them are usually those with clear procedures, good governance, proper documentation and timely advice.

We are hosting an employer webinar:

From Workplace Issue to High Court Litigation: Practical Lessons for Employers

This practical session will focus on governance, decision-making, workplace investigations and employment disputes, using recent High Court litigation as a starting point for lessons employers can take into their own organisations.

📅 Tuesday 30 June 2026
🕐 1:00pm–2:00pm
💻 Online via Zoom

Further details to follow.

27/05/2026

Did you know our firm, Ormonde Solicitors, has been named Labour & Employment Law Practice of the Year 2026?

Employment Matters is part of Ormonde Solicitors, and we are proud to share that the firm has received the Business All-Star Labour & Employment Law Practice of the Year 2026 accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation.

This recognition highlights the work carried out across our employment law team, supporting both employers and employees with clear, practical advice on workplace disputes, employment rights, contracts and compliance matters.

It also marks our second consecutive year of Business All-Star recognition, reflecting the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our team.

Read the full article here:

Ormonde Solicitors has been named Business All-Star Labour & Employment Law Practice of the Year 2026 accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF)

26/05/2026

⚖️ €44,000 awarded after worker’s CCTV complaint led to whistleblower claim.

A recent WRC decision highlights a growing employer risk:
Complaints about workplace surveillance and GDPR may qualify as protected disclosures.

Key employer lessons:
• Consult staff before introducing CCTV
• Avoid reactive changes after complaints
• Internal messages can become evidence

Read more here: https://www.ormondesolicitors.ie/e44000-awarded-after-workers-cctv-complaint-led-to-whistleblower-claim/

21/05/2026

Can an employer be liable after an employee has already left?

A recent WRC ruling says yes.

A travel company was ordered to pay over €40,000 where:
• A redundancy was found unfair
• Reference requests were mishandled
• Silence and delay caused the worker to lose a new role

Post-employment communication matters more than many employers realise.

Read more here: https://www.ormondesolicitors.ie/e40000-unfair-dismissal-award-after-former-employers-handling-of-reference-cost-worker-a-new-job/

20/05/2026

Boardroom disputes can quickly become employment law claims.

A green energy company has been ordered to pay over €75,000 after a CEO was unlawfully denied salary.

For employers, this case reinforces the importance of:
✔ Clear executive contracts
✔ Written salary agreements
✔ Legal advice before withholding pay

Read more here: https://www.ormondesolicitors.ie/e75000-award-for-unpaid-ceo-salary-what-employers-can-learn-from-boardroom-pay-disputes/

19/05/2026

We’re delighted to share that our colleague Mel is now a Qualified Mediator accredited by the International Mediation Institute.

This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of Mel’s continued commitment to helping people navigate workplace conflict in a constructive, practical, and supportive way.

Mediation can play an important role in resolving workplace disagreements before they escalate, helping employers and employees find a way forward while preserving relationships where possible.

A huge congratulations to Mel from all of us — so well deserved!

07/05/2026

Another little celebration for Jess today after her admission to the Roll of Solicitors 🎉
A fantastic achievement and very well deserved!

05/05/2026

⚖️ €106,000 awarded after employer failed to comply with WRC order.

A recent decision shows that ignoring a WRC ruling can lead to further discrimination findings and increased compensation.

Key takeaway:

Compliance is not optional — and delays can significantly increase liability.

🔗 **Read the full article here:**
https://www.ormondesolicitors.ie/e106000-award-after-failure-to-comply-with-wrc-order-a-critical-warning-for-employers/