Tag: employment law

The most difficult task for the small business owner

I have been self-employed since December 1986. That’s 38 years and counting. I have been involved in many industries, many start-ups, and have learned a lot along the way. Once you are halfway observant you are bound to pick up some stuff over the course of 38 years of all types of issues and problems.… Continue reading The most difficult task for the small business owner

But he’s telling lies, can we sue for defamation?

I meet employers and employees on a regular basis to advice on employment law. The context is usually the man/woman in front of me in the consultation has received a letter from the Workplace Relations Commission advising him/her of a complaint from a former employee. When they read through the complaint, they invariably tell me… Continue reading But he’s telling lies, can we sue for defamation?

Preparing for a WRC case-the biggest problem as a sole practitioner

As a sole practitioner one of the biggest problems I face when preparing for a WRC hearing is distraction. That is, the many distractions in the office including other files, letters, emails, property transactions, wills, personal injury claims which demand some or all of my attention. Being able to give an upcoming WRC hearing your… Continue reading Preparing for a WRC case-the biggest problem as a sole practitioner

3 employment disputes-fear and ignorance may determine the outcome

I am involved in three different employment disputes at the moment. I represent the employee in two of them and the employer in one. Two of the employees in these three disputes are wildly overvaluing the strength of their position. And the employer is showing signs of being freaked out by the demand of one… Continue reading 3 employment disputes-fear and ignorance may determine the outcome

Tempering client expectations in employment disputes

One of my responsibilities when representing an employee in an employment claim is the tempering of my client’s expectations. I must tell him/her that in any dispute, contest or litigation there is always a chance of winning and a chance of losing. Because there are always at least two sides to the story. And I… Continue reading Tempering client expectations in employment disputes

Legal costs at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court

I read at the weekend that Ammi Burke’s legal costs bill in respect of her failed High Court action against Arthur Cox Solicitors and the WRC could be in the region of €250,000. I do not know how accurate this figure is but it struck me that it was entirely avoidable if Ms Burke was… Continue reading Legal costs at the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court

I made a surprising discovery on Ebay yesterday

I discovered yesterday, by accident, that there are guys on Ebay selling my book “Employment Law in Ireland” for €45. But the new price of the paperback on Amazon.co.uk is only £25. This converts to around €29. A few questions arise: When I thought about this further, I was kind of thrilled. For it indicates… Continue reading I made a surprising discovery on Ebay yesterday

“Nuisance” employment claims

I meet employers on a regular basis who are faced with what they believe are frivolous, unfounded, “nuisance” employment claims at the Workplace Relations Commission. Merely because an employer believes a claim has no merit does not mean that that’s the case. However, in my experience a small number of claims are not well founded… Continue reading “Nuisance” employment claims