Employment Equality

We provide advice to both employers and employees in relation to all legal issues arising in relation to equality in the workplace.

The Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004, deal with discrimination within employment on any of the following nine grounds:

  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Family status
  • Age
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation
  • Membership of the Traveller community

Most employment issues are dealt with by the Acts, including:

  • Dismissal
  • Equal pay
  • Harassment
  • Sexual harassment
  • Working conditions
  • Promotion
  • Access to employment

However, all disputes must relate to one or more of the nine grounds listed in the previous point (for example gender).

The Equality Tribunal, the Labour Court and the Circuit Court all have roles in relation to claims of discrimination.

All claims (except for gender discrimination claims) must be referred in the first instance to the Equality Tribunal (Gender discrimination claims have the option of going to the Circuit Court).

The Equality Tribunal is the quasi judicial body established to investigate, hear and decide on claims for discrimination.

 

Healy O’Connor Solicitors LLP provide representation at the Equality Tribunal, Labour Court and Circuit Court for the hearing of these matters.

A complaint of discrimination or harassment must be made within the 6 month time limit from the last act of discrimination. The 6 month time limit can be extended up to 12 months by the Director ‘for reasonable cause’.

 

For further information, please contact info@hoc.ie or freephone 1800 54 54 54