ERB Monitor 10/2008

Recent research shows that less than 40% of employers are using mediation as a strategy to resolve workplace conflict. Are you aware that that if you refuse to go to mediation it will go against you at the Employment Tribunals.

The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) provides a free workplace mediation service. This service is particularly suited to disputes involving individuals or small groups of workers in the community sector.

In the first half of 2008 National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Inspectors carried out 11,499 visits to employers. This is an increase of 6,675 on the first half of 2007.

Breaches of legislation were detected in 16% of cases. As a consequence over €1 million in arrears due to employees were recovered.

Competency based interview questions are used to make the interview process as fair as possible. Essentially the process assists the interviewer in assessing the competency levels of a potential employee.

In the case of termination of employment employers must give employees notice. The length of notice is dependent on the employee’s length of service and is covered by the Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Acts, 1973-20