Insights & News

Employer Takeaways from the Annual Report of the Irish Data Protection Commission

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) recently published its annual report for 2021 detailing the activities it undertook in 2021 and setting out its regulatory strategy and priorities for the next five years.

Proposed updates to Irish whistleblowing legislation

The Irish Government has published an updated version of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2022 (the Bill), which will amend current Irish whistleblowing legislation to strengthen the protection for whistleblowers in Ireland.

Irish government announces details of an automatic enrolment pension system for the private sector in Ireland

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has announced details of the ‘design principles’ for the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System for Ireland. The design principles will form the basis of the draft legislation and the necessary operations to be put in place by government and employers.

Domestic abuse leave introduced in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly has passed legislation that will entitle victims of domestic abuse to 10 days’ paid leave each leave year. The law was passed in the Assembly’s final week of sitting before the forthcoming Assembly elections in May. The commencement date of the new right remains to be confirmed.

Consultation on banded hours contracts and enhanced rights for zero-hour workers in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly is consulting on proposed legislation to enhance the statutory protections for zero-hours workers, including call-out payments, banning exclusivity clauses and introducing the right to request a “banded hours” contract. Consultation closes on 4 March 2022.

The end of mask wearing and Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland (RTE Radio 1)

Linda Hynes speaks to RTE Radio 1 about her views on the end of the legal requirements to wear a face covering.

How can brands avoid Greenwashing: Victor Timon comments for Wasted.ie

As efforts across our industries intensify to meet the climate crisis challenge head-on, so too does the accusation of ‘Greenwashing’.

Lewis Silkin features in the Belfast Telegraph

‘Belfast’s reputation on the global stage as a hotbed for talent and opportunity is growing by the day. This prominence as a source of skill makes the city a natural fit for Lewis Silkin, a leading law firm that has two things at its core: people – both its clients and its own team – and a focus on creativity, technology and innovation’

Siobhra Rush has commented in the Independent.ie on the results of Ryanair’s latest gender pay gap report

The report, submitted during the pandemic, shows the gap in average hourly pay between men and women is 67.8pc despite an increase in female pilots. Siobhra has said the legislation is still valuable, promotes transparency, and “requires employers to reflect on why they have a pay gap and diversity issues”…

Gender pay gap at Ryanair widens to almost 68pc despite increase in female pilots: Síobhra Rush comments for The Irish Independent

Press

Ryanair’s gender pay gap has widened despite a surge in applications by women for pilot jobs.

Irish government launches new Digital Strategy

As life changes to become ever-more driven by technology, the Irish government has launched a new national digital strategy, with the aim of driving and enabling a digital transition across the Irish economy and society.

Introduction of paid parental bereavement leave in Northern Ireland

On 7 January 2022 the Northern Ireland Assembly passed legislation which will provide parents with two weeks’ paid leave following the death of a child under 18. These new entitlements will be effective from April 2022 with further provision relating to miscarriage promised.

Síobhra Rush provides comment to RTE News on the updated workplace guidance in Ireland

On 31 January 2022 the workplace guidance for Ireland was updated.

Lewis Silkin expands in Northern Ireland with addition of IP, tech and media practice

Press Release

BELFAST AND LONDON – Lewis Silkin today announces that it has added to its growing offering in Northern Ireland by joining forces with local specialist commercial, technology, intellectual property and media law firm Forde Campbell.

Return to the offices in Ireland: Síobhra Rush comments on the issues arising for employers as they encourage staff back to the office

As employers in Ireland have once again been given the green light to bring their staff back to the office, Síobhra Rush comments on how businesses should approach bringing employees back to the office.