The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has published its 2024 Annual Report, revealing a sharp increase in enforcement activity and key trends that every Irish employer should take seriously.
Key Stats from the Report
- €2.15 million recovered in unpaid wages
- 5,156 inspections carried out
- Successful prosecutions up 27% on 2023
- Adjudication hearings increased by 6%
- Conciliation success rate remained high at 85%
- Code of Practice on Remote/Flexible Working published in March 2024
What This Means for Employers
1. Enforcement Is Increasing
The rise in inspections and prosecutions confirms the WRC is stepping up compliance enforcement, particularly around pay, record-keeping, and working time.
Action: Ensure your wage records, contracts, and compliance with the Organisation of Working Time Act are up to date.
2. Prosecutions Are More Likely
A 27% increase in successful prosecutions signals that the WRC is willing to take cases to court, especially when employers fail to act on inspector warnings.
Action: Engage immediately if you receive correspondence from the WRC, ignoring or delaying can escalate a case quickly.
3. Remote Work Rights Are Evolving
The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Request Remote and Flexible Working marks a key shift in policy and expectations.
Action: Review your remote and flexible working policies. Ensure managers understand their legal obligations under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act.
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution Is Working
With an 85% success rate in conciliation, the WRC remains focused on early resolution. Employers who engage constructively in this process often avoid the cost and reputational risk of adjudication.
Action: Consider early mediation when disputes arise, it’s often faster and more cost-effective than formal hearings.
Employer Takeaway
The WRC is more active, visible, and effective than ever. These figures show that non-compliance is not just a legal risk, it’s a financial one.
Businesses that invest in preventative HR compliance will avoid penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruption.
How Bloom Consultancy Can Help
We offer:
- HR audits to ensure wage, time, and policy compliance
- WRC preparation & response support
- Expert guidance on remote/flexible work obligations
- Workplace training through our Bloom Academy LMS
Talk to us today to make sure your HR practices meet 2025’s compliance standards.
This article is based on public decisions of the Workplace Relations Commission and reported case summaries from Irish media sources. It is intended as a commentary on HR compliance issues relevant to employers and HR professionals in Ireland.