ROI 2024 Employment Law Changes- Are You Prepared?

The last few years have brought about a multitude of changes and upheaval for organisations across the UK and Ireland. With 9 Employment Law Changes coming into force in 2024 alone for the UK & I the employment landscape has changed significantly. Alongside these changes, we’re expecting 9 Employment Law Changes that will affect the ROI this year.

Employers and HR professionals need to stay up to date with current employment laws. By aligning your company’s policies and procedures with current legislation, you can ensure that your employee’s rights are protected while also minimising the risk to your organisation.

As employment law within the Republic of Ireland is constantly changing, it can be difficult for employers and HR professionals to keep up to date. So, what changes are coming?

We’ve created a brief overview of the legislative changes being introduced in 2024:

Increased minimum wage:

From 1 January 2024, the minimum wage will increase for the following age groups:

• Age of 20, €12.70 from 1 January 2024 – a 12% increase.

• Age 19: increase from €10.70 to €11.43 per hour (90% of minimum wage)
• Age 18: increase from €9.04 to €10.16 per hour (80% of minimum wage
• Age under 18: increase from €7.91 to €8.89 per hour (70% of minimum wage)

Increases to paid sick leave entitlement:

From 1 January 2024, paid sick leave entitlement will increase from three days to five days.

This entitlement is paid based on 70% of the employee’s daily income capped at €110 per day. If the employer provides an enhanced sick pay scheme, the statutory obligation does not apply.

Extension to Parent’s Leave:

From August 2024, parents’ leave will be extended by two weeks, from seven to nine weeks of entitlement. This will be payable by the social department.

Right to request remote working:

Employees with at least six months of service now have the right to request remote working.

Right to request flexible working arrangements:

Employees can request flexible working arrangements if they have children, or caring responsibilities for a person requiring significant care or support for a serious medical reason.

Parameters for automatically enrolment on employee pension schemes:

From September 2024, employees earning above €20,000 between the ages of 23 and 60 will automatically be enrolled on a pension scheme (if they aren’t already on one). Those outside these parameters can opt into the pension if they want to.

Extension to Gender Pay Gap reporting:

The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 requires companies of a certain size to publish a yearly report on their company’s gender pay gap (GPG). In 2024, it will extend to companies with 150 or more employees. Then, from 2025 onwards, it will affect those with 50 or more employees.

Introduction of paid Domestic Leave

Paid Domestic Leave of 5 days in 12 months period paid by employer has been granted from November 2023.

Introduction of unpaid leave for parents and carers.

From the 3rd of July 2023, unpaid leave of 5 days in 12 months period will be introduced for parents and carers.

If you have any queries about the employment law changes that will affect ROI please do not hesitate to get in contact with Justyna Kowalska, or your usual People team contact.