Redundancy

The following is a very brief summary of redundancy law in Ireland.

In recent times more and more people are being made redundant due to firms restructuring or more particularly closing down.

Entitlements to redundancy for most types of employees are determined in accordance with the length of service with the employer as set out in the Redundancy Payments Acts.

Redundancy Notice Periods

• 13 weeks to 2 years – 1 week
• 2 years to 5 years – 2 weeks
• 5 years to 10 years – 4 weeks
• 10 years to 15 years – 6 weeks
• 15 years or more – 8 weeks

REDUNDANCY SELECTION

If you are unfairly selected for redundancy you may bring a claim for unfair dismissal.  All selection procedures must be consistent and reasonable.  Generally, the terms and conditions will set out the criteria to be used by an employer in making redundancies.  In the past, the general rule was “first in, first out” but the trend is now to use one or more criteria in selecting redundancies.  Selection for redundancy on any of the following grounds are deemed to be unfair.

• Political or religious opinions
• Trade Union participation
• Pregnancy
• Gender
• Family status
• Age
• Sexual orientation
• Race
• Religious beliefs
• Disability

You are entitled to be paid for any holidays you are due or payment in lieu thereof.  Moreover, you are entitled to reasonable time off to seek alternative employment.