WRC Annual Report 2024: Key Employment Law Trends for Irish Employers
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) recently published its 2024 Annual Report, revealing notable shifts in Ireland’s employment law landscape. For employers, the report explores how workplace relations are evolving and highlights the importance of keeping up to date with legal developments.
Key Findings
The WRC experienced a year of heightened activity and complexity in 2024, with substantial increases in:
• Workplace Inspections
WRC Inspectors conducted inspections of 5,156 employers in 2024, whereas 4,727 employers were inspected in 2023. The 2024 visits uncovered 7,755 specific contraventions of employment legislation. Employers should be aware that WRC Inspectors are legally entitled to enter workplaces and their inspections can be unannounced.
• Mediations
Employees are increasingly turning to external mediation rather than relying solely on internal company procedures. The WRC facilitated 894 mediations in 2024, representing a 14% increase from 2023 and a 36% increase since 2022. This indicates a growing preference towards external services for resolving workplace issues.
• Adjudication Hearings
In 2024, the WRC offered hearings for 9,054 adjudication files — a 6% increase from 2023. With an average of 180 hearings per week, it is clear there is a rising demand for formal dispute resolution.
The Complexity Factor
David Small, Director of the Adjudication Services Division, reported a significant rise in complaint applications – with applications covering 14,890 individual complaints – and reflected on “the increasingly complex nature of cases”
Equality complaints rose by 11%, with 1,156 complaints in 2024. Disability, Gender and Race are the most frequently cited grounds of discrimination, reinforcing the importance of effective Equality policies.
Takeaways for Employers
Together, these trends highlight an important reality: employment law disputes are becoming more frequent and increasingly complex. Employers who invest in robust policies and procedures are better equipped to manage workplace issues proactively – and minimise the risk of costly legal challenges.
Bright Contracts provides a comprehensive suite of legally compliant resources designed to help employers navigate their obligations with confidence. Please visit our website or contact a member of our team to find out more about the support we can offer you.
