First published on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Last updated on Friday, November 1, 2024
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week’s top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business, plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
27% of workers face payroll errors in their pay checks
According to a recent study by SD Worx, 21% of workers have faced late payments multiple times over the last year, and a further 27% have spotted errors in their salary calculations.
With over half of the workforce considering salary the ‘top dog’ for job satisfaction, businesses will need to get their payroll act together before their talent decides to sing a different tune…
Employers beware! Late payments are a breach of the Payment of Wages Act 1991. Employees can file a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), leading to serious legal trouble, financial penalties, and a damaged reputation. Look into digital solutions like payroll navigation software to minimise confusion and the chance of errors in the future.
3 in 5 business leaders believe Budget 2025 will support their growth
More than 3 in 5 business leaders in Ireland believe that the Budget 2025 will help them improve their strategy and overcome challenges according to the Irish Management Institute.
New tax measures were introduced by the Government early in October. Amongst the changes was a €170m energy subsidy scheme for hospitality and retail companies.
Despite being positive about strategy and growth, business leaders have expressed concerns about the difficulty of attracting talent. In fact, 83% of business leaders believe this will be challenging in the upcoming months.
Addressing skill shortages and hiring difficulties as an SME can be tough. But from an HR perspective, when hiring and retention becomes difficult, employers should consider focusing on areas to improve staff retain like performance management and professional development tools like e-learning.
A reference ruckus worth €42k
One company’s refusal to provide written references landed them in a €42k pickle after their dismissal of a salesman was ruled unfair by an Employment Tribunal.
The WRC found that the company’s rather strange “no written references” policy contributed to his prolonged job hunt after leaving. Despite claims of financial woes and performance issues, the tribunal ruled the dismissal unjustified.
The case highlights the need for clear communication and fair policies. Refusing to provide references without a clear reason can land you in legal trouble. Ask our superfast AI tool, Bright Brainbox for answers to questions like: ‘What is an unfair dismissal award?’ or ‘Who can make an unfair dismissal claim?’
And that’s a wrap. Tune in next week for more headlines to make sure you stay ahead of major employment law changes!
