Paid Domestic Violence Leave in Force
The new Employee right to receive five days paid domestic violence per year came into effect on Monday, November 27th, 2023. This new statutory entitlement is available to all Employees affected by domestic violence and aims to allow the victims to access any supports they may need to address their particular circumstances. Employees should receive their normal daily rate of pay during absences on domestic violence leave.
Protected Disclosure Reporting Requirements Apply to Organisations with 50 Employees or More
Effective December 17th, 2023, private sector Organisations with 50 Employees or more must comply with the requirement to establish formal internal reporting channels to allow Employees to make protected disclosures.
Gender Pay Gap Information Act, 2021
From 2024, Organisations with a headcount of 150 or more must report and the Act requires Organisations to publish their hourly gender pay gap within six months of their chosen snapshot date.
Employees Entitled to 5 Days Paid Sick Leave in 2024
From January 1st, 2024, Employees are entitled to 5 days paid sick leave under the Statutory Sick Pay Scheme. Employers should amend their policies appropriately to ensure compliance for the 2024 calendar year.
Increase in Minimum Wage
Employers should ensure that their payroll systems reflect the new minimum wage rate of €12.70 per hour (and sub-minimum rates for workers aged under 20) which came into effect on January 1st, 2024.
Reform Of State Pension System
New flexible pension arrangements for people applying for State Pension (Contributory), came into effect on January 1st, 2024. These are for people who turn 66 on or after 1 January 2024 and they will have the choice to claim the State Pension (Contributory), on any date between the age of 66 and 70. If a person chooses a claim start date between ages 67 and 70, they may be entitled to a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory).
Upcoming Legislative Changes
Work Life Balance And Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2022
Codes of Practice on the Right to Request Flexible Working Arrangements for Caring Purposes and the Right to Request Remote Working are expected early this year, for the purpose of providing practical guidance to Employers on the legislative requirements.
Employment (Collective Redundancies And Miscellaneous Provisions) And Companies (Amendment) Bill 2023
The Bill will further enhance the protection of Employees in a collective redundancy enhancing transparency for Employees of Employers who become insolvent and expanding the avenues of redress available to all Employees.
Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2022
Employees who are not already in an occupational pension scheme aged between 23 and 60 and are earning over €20,000 per year will be automatically enrolled. Matching of Employer and Employee contributions will be included, and the State will contribute at a rate of €1 for every €3 saved by the Employee.
Parent’s Leave And Parent’s Benefit
Budget 2024 announced that Parent’s Leave and Parent’s Benefit will be extended from seven to nine weeks of leave from August 2024.