Workplace Relations (Exemplary Damages, Unfair Dismissals and Other Provisions) Bill 2024

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposed law would let the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court award extra damages in serious cases where an employer has broken workplace law, especially where the conduct was repeated, harmful or deliberate. It would also stop some confidentiality agreements from being enforced against workers unless they had first received independent legal or trade union advice. In addition, it would change unfair dismissal rules, including lowering the service needed to qualify from one year to six months and increasing the possible compensation in some cases. Overall, it aims to give workers stronger protection, better access to remedies, and clearer rights at work.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to enable the award of exemplary damages in certain circumstances by adjudication officers of the Workplace Relations Commission and by the Labour Court; to make certain non-disclosure agreements unenforceable as against employees who have not received independent advice; to make amendments to the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 in order to give fuller effect to Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 30 January 2025