Employer Representation 

Irish Employment Law is designed to regulate the relationship between employers and employees. It governs what employers can rightfully expect from employees, and what employers can ask of employees, as well as their rights in the workplace.


Its overall remit is wide and varied, and encompasses diverse areas such as maternity leave, contracts, redundancy and dismissal, work permits, terms and conditions of employment, and equality in the workplace.


For over 35 years, MSS has been advising and supporting Irish SMEs with sound, practical, and competitively-priced support, to help ensure clients are always fully aware of their responsibilities as an employer.


By keeping our clients up to speed, we can help them avoid any potential financial penalties that could be imposed by the Workplace Relations Commission/Labour Court for breaches of Employment Law. 

To help minimise your company’s exposure, MSS offers a wealth of first-hand experience and expertise in Legal and Industrial Relations disputes including the following legislation:


  • Industrial Relations Acts
  • Unfair Dismissal Act
  • Employment Equality Acts
  • Transfer of Undertaking Regulations
  • Terms of Employment (Information) Act

Want to discuss Employer Representation further?

Give us a call.


Are workplace-related conflicts and grievances taking your attention away from the day-to-day running of your business? MSS – The HR People helps SMEs resolve occasional, yet inevitable, workplace disputes through mediation, collective bargaining and other conciliatory means.


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Labour Court

The Labour Court is there to consider decisions made by the Workplace Relations Commission and where appropriate overturn or amend them. 



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Would you be prepared if an employee filed a complaint against your organisation? To minimise your exposure in such instances, you should talk to MSS – The HR People. They have over 35 years’ experience representing employers in the area of workplace relations.


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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Employer Representation

  • What does employer representation mean?

    An employer representative acts on behalf of an employer in any cases brought before the Workplace Relations Commission and / or Labour Court.

  • What is the role of an employers representative?

    An employer representative will represent an employer in the Workplace Relations Commission or Labour Court for any breaches of Employment Law brought against them.

  • What is the employer's responsibility?

    Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace for all employees. 

  • Do employees have representation?

    Yes, employees can be representated by a trade union, works council or any other body or persons representing workers.

  • What is the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)?

    The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is a central organisation dedicated to promoting harmonious workplace relationships and ensuring compliance with employment and equality laws. It provides a range of services, including dispute resolution, mediation, and adjudication, to help both employers and employees resolve conflicts and address various employment-related issues. The WRC plays a crucial role in maintaining fair and just working environments by offering accessible and impartial mechanisms for resolving disputes and upholding labour rights.

  • How long does the WRC take to make a decision?

    A written decision will be issued within 28 working days of the investigation being completed. Decisions are published on the WRC website and are publicly accessible. The employer then has 56 days to carry out the decision of the adjudication officer. Failure to do so could result in the case going before the District Court.

  • How do I prepare for a WRC hearing?

    "To prepare effectively for a case with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), start by reviewing the relevant information on their official website, including guidelines and resources related to the specific type of case you're involved in. It's a good idea to seek representation early in the process so that you can familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and codes of practice to ensure you a have a firm understanding of your rights and responsibilities. It is then a case of gathering all the necessary documentation and evidence to present a clear and comprehensive case during the proceedings."

  • What happens at a WRC hearing?

    If you are located around the Dublin area, you will be invited to attend the WRC offices in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. For those outside of Dublin, a private location will be made availabe, for example in a local hotel. The opposing sides will each sit on opposite sides of a table with the Adjucator seated at the top. Both sides will make their submissions and can call upon witnesses as needed to back-up their case. Each side will have the opportunity to cross examine all witnesses. Once the submissions are finalised, the Adjucator may ask for further clarifications before adjurning to make a decision.

  • What is a labour court?

    Functioning as an industrial relations tribunal rather than a traditional court of law, the Labour Court listens to both parties involved in a case. Subsequently, it issues a Recommendation, Determination, Decision, or Order, based on the nature of the case. These official documents outline the tribunal's viewpoint on the conflict and provide guidance on the appropriate resolution and terms of settlement.

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