A Review of Employment Law 2024

In 2024, Ireland saw significant changes to employment law, requiring HR professionals and organisations to adapt swiftly. We want to welcome the New Year 2025 with a summary of the significant legislative updates that came into effect last year:

1. National Minimum Wage Increase
   Effective 1 January 2024, the National Minimum Wage rose by 12% to €12.70 per hour for employees aged 20 and over. This increase aligns with the Government’s plan to phase in a National Living Wage, set at 60% of hourly median pay, by 2026.
2. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
   Paid sick leave entitlement expanded to five days for employees with at least 13 weeks of service, part of a phased plan to reach 10 days by 2026. Employers must provide 70% of the daily wage (capped at €110 per day) and maintain detailed records.
3. Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings
   The Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act, signed on 9 July 2024, establishes pension auto-enrolment for employees not in an existing pension scheme. The scheme, set to launch in September 2025, will involve contributions from employees, employers, and the Government.
4. Parent’s Leave and Benefit Extension
   Parent’s Leave increased to nine weeks per parent from 1 August 2024. This leave, non-transferable between parents, must be taken within two years of a child’s birth or placement and can be split into separate periods.
5. Remote and Flexible Working Rights
   From 7 March 2024, employees gained the legal right to request remote or flexible working arrangements after six months of service. Requests must comply with guidelines under the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Code of Practice to ensure fairness and transparency.
6. Enhanced Redundancy Protections
   The Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Act 2024 introduced stricter consultation requirements for collective redundancies and extended obligations to liquidators and receivers. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and a new Employment Law Review Group will advise on workplace trends.

These updates reflect ongoing efforts to improve workplace rights and protections. Organisations are encouraged to stay informed and ensure compliance to foster a supportive and equitable work environment.