Employment Law
Running a profitable and successful business relies on a competent team you can trust. At the heart of a thriving team are strong employer-employee relations, built on mutual respect and shared goals.
Our experienced employment law solicitors work closely with employers to enhance these relationships, fostering a positive and productive working culture. For employees, we offer professional, honest, and straightforward legal advice to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment.
Legal assistance for employees
When workplace issues arise, the stress and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. At M.M. Halley & Son, our sensitive and experienced employment law solicitors guide you through the best course of action against an employer, and where needed, support you in making a claim. We offer honest, attentive, and expert advice on a wide range of employment law matters, including:
- Unfair or wrongful dismissal
- Bullying and harassment
- Disciplinary and performance related proceedings
- Inequality and discrimination
- Settlement agreements
- Negotiating contracts of employment
- Severance agreements
- Equal pay, wages and working time regulations
Our employment law solicitors have acted for clients have represented clients in claims before the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT), the Equality Tribunal, the Rights Commissioners, the Labour Court and the High Court.
Legal assistance for employers
With awards for unfair dismissal and discrimination claims escalating dramatically, our employment law specialists keep you fully updated, informed and protected in this rapidly changing area of law. This reduces the risk of litigation and disputes, whilst reinforcing relationships throughout the business.
With 70 years’ experience delivering practical and legal advice to businesses in Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny, we put the solid legal foundations in place to prevent employment issues from arising; however, if a problem should surface, we act quickly and decisively to minimise the impact on your business.
Our employment law solicitors advise on:
- Contracts of employment
- Employee policies and procedures
- Employee incentive schemes
- Compromise agreements
- Redundancies, lay-offs and short-time working
- Disciplinary procedures and related issues
- Dismissals
- Bullying and harassment
- Discrimination and employment equality
Employment Law FAQs for Employees
Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is dismissed without a fair reason or without following proper procedures. Wrongful dismissal involves breaching the terms of the employment contract, such as not giving proper notice.
Bullying and harassment are prohibited in the workplace. If you’re experiencing this, you should report it to your employer or HR department. Legal action can be taken if the issue is not resolved internally.
You have the right to be informed of any allegations against you, to present your side, to be accompanied by a representative, and to appeal any decisions made against you.
If you face discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, you can file a complaint with your employer or take legal action under the Employment Equality Acts.
Settlement agreements are legally binding contracts that resolve disputes between employers and employees, often involving a financial settlement in exchange for you waiving certain legal claims.
Consider terms such as salary, benefits, job responsibilities, termination clauses, and severance pay. It’s advisable to seek legal advice to ensure your rights and interests are protected.
Employment Law FAQs for Employers
Contracts should include job title, duties, salary, working hours, notice periods, and termination conditions. They must comply with legal standards and clearly outline the terms of employment.
Clear policies and procedures help ensure compliance with employment laws, provide guidelines for acceptable behaviour, and outline the process for handling issues like grievances and disciplinary actions.
Incentive schemes, such as bonuses, stock options, or profit-sharing, should be designed to motivate employees and align with business goals. They must be fair, transparent, and legally compliant.
Compromise agreements are legally binding agreements used to resolve disputes, typically involving the employee agreeing to waive certain legal claims in exchange for compensation.
These situations must be handled in accordance with legal requirements, including fair selection processes, proper notice, and potential redundancy payments. Consultation with employees is also key.
Follow clear procedures as outlined in your policies, ensure fair and unbiased treatment, document all actions taken, and provide training to prevent bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
If you require further information or advice on any aspect of Employement Law, get in touch today to book a consultation with our employment law specialists, Emmet Halley & Richard Halley. Please call on 051 874 073, or email: info@mmhalley.com.
