Employment Law in Context

Employment Law is one of the most dynamic and fast-changing areas of law, as well as one with practical implications for almost everyone. In the last decade alone, there have been fundamental developments in employment law globally (e.g. the rise of ‘platform/gig’ work, the impact of the global pandemic on remote/hybrid working), at EU level (a renewed focus on social rights in the social pillar, after years of ‘austerity’), and in Ireland (e.g. a fundamental overhaul of the dispute resolution system, and major Supreme Court decisions on fundamental issues such as employment status and unfair dismissals).

Given the multiple influences on employment law disputes (ILO conventions, EU Law, Constitutional law, legislation, codes of practice, alternative dispute resolution, and the role of social partners), and the unique responsiveness of employment law to global events (economic, political and social) the area remains somewhat fragmented and confusing for students, employment relations professionals and legal practitioners.

This comprehensive text outlines the key principles of employment law in Ireland, putting them in the context of contemporary legal, socio-economic, political and cultural developments. Divided into six parts, it deals with the key aspects of the employment law relationship, including the scope and coverage of employment law, the statutory regulation of working life, equality and non-discrimination at work, termination of the employment relationship, and the principles underlying collective employment relations.