Consultation launched to strengthen rights of employees
A new consultation has been launched on strengthening the rights of employees in Ireland.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar is seeking views on an EU directive on employment law.
One of the considerations is putting limits on the length of probation people have to serve when starting a new job.
The directive also wants to increase the amount of notice given to employees working unpredictable or on-demand hours.
It would also give rights for employees to request to be transferred to employment with more secure or predictable working conditions where appropriate.
The Tánaiste said that much of what is required under the EU directive has already been implemented, such as the restriction on zero-hour contracts.
He said they are now moving to implement the remaining provisions, before the deadline of next August.
Mr Varadkar said they will make sure that the changes will not “damage job creation” or create “unrealistic or onerous” obligations on employers.
The deadline for submissions is 3pm on Monday October 25.
The Tánaiste said he wanted one of the legacies of the pandemic to be better terms and conditions for workers and that is why he is introducing a new mandatory sick pay scheme, new rights around requesting remote working and the right to disconnect, for example.
“We will be considering putting limits on the length of time an employer can put a worker on probation and ensuring workers get the training they need to do their job,” he said.
“We will also be ensuring more reasonable periods of notice are given when work is unpredictable in nature,” he added.
Article Source – Consultation launched to strengthen rights of employees – RTE – Gill Stedman
