Firstly, I would like to say that my thoughts are with all workers faced with the prospect of closure and job losses at this difficult time. I wish to assure the affected workers that my Department is available through its Intreo service to assist them in whatever way we can in terms of income supports and job-seeking over the coming weeks and months.
My Department received official notification of the proposed collective redundancies from the employer in this case in a letter dated 28th February 2020, in accordance with their obligations under the Protection of Employment Act 1977. Employers are also obliged under sections 9 and 10 of that Act to engage in an information and consultation process with employees’ representatives and to provide certain information relating to the proposed redundancies. Section 11A of the Act provides that, where an employee believes the employer to be in breach of sections 9 or 10, they may pursue a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
It is the responsibility of the employer in the first instance to pay statutory redundancy entitlements to eligible employees. If an employer refuses
to pay a redundancy lump sum to an employee or if there is any dispute about the redundancy, the mechanism available to the employee is to bring a claim to the WRC for a determination by an adjudication officer.
The WRC is the organisation which is mandated to secure compliance with employment rights legislation. The employees in this case should contact the Customer Service section of the WRC, who operate a telephone helpline at 1890 808090, in relation to their concerns or complaints regarding their employment rights. The Customer Service section can provide further information in relation to employment, equality and industrial relations rights and obligations, and how to obtain redress where appropriate.
