Many employers have raised questions with us regarding public holidays and annual leave entitlements - specifically the right of an employer to make employees take annual leave during the Covid-19 emergency. This is quite a complex subject and so we would urge employers to contact ESA to make sure that they are applying the rules [...]
Businesses have voiced their concerns over their potential liability to employees under the Corporate Manslaughter Act in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Act makes businesses accountable for gross health and safety failings that result in death. We normally see this in areas such as construction, but Covid-19 has brought a new dimension to this [...]
1. The first benefit pay for thousands is to be received today. Reasons for non-payment include incorrect applications, the wrong PPS number being given and duplicate applications being received. The Department has asked that applications be made online and that the phone only be used in cases of emergency in order to alleviate the backlog. [...]
Mental Health Central Online Workplace Tool Mental Health Central is a free online exchange, connecting people with mental health-related organisations, helpful workplace tools, services, resources, and professionals. Included are listings for support groups, books, training, upcoming conferences, events, workshops, educational information, as well as healthy recipes, expert advice, research information and more. Find Community Mental [...]
The HSE have published free posters and resources on the subject of Covid-19. Go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/ to view.
Working from home still means that employers have to look after their employees health and safety. One of the best ways of doing this is to carry out a VDU (Visual Display Unit) assessment is done. A VDU assessment makes sure that the ergonomics of your at home workstation is correct to prevent problems such [...]
A brilliant site has been developed to help all of us with understanding exactly what 2 kilometers from our home is. Go to http://2kmfromhome.com and it will show you exactly what is included in your 2k. We hope this helps keep you safe and healthy during this time!
As per the Government guidelines all non-essential businesses are to close until at least the 12th April. If you are unsure as to whether your business falls into this category please use the link below: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dfeb8f-list-of-essential-service-providers-under-new-public-health-guidelin/ Should you wish to discuss whether your business falls into one of these categories please don't hesitate to contact [...]
Reduction of Pay A reduction of wages/salaries differs to a deduction of wages/salaries. A reduction is the act of reducing whereas a deduction is what is being subtracted or removed. Where there is a downturn in business, or there is less demand for a service, in order to avoid any potential redundancies, an employer should examine alternative options before proceeding with redundancies. The [...]
The Revenue Wage Subsidy Scheme has come under some heavy fire by employment law experts for its lack of clarity surrounding key details. The Scheme itself, which can be read in full here: https://revenue.ie/en/corporate/communications/covid19/temporary-covid-19-wage-subsidy-scheme.aspx aims to assist those businesses worst hit so far by the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it would appear to be peppered by [...]