Compliance Services

We work with clients to ensure that they are compliant not alone with existing employment law but also with codes of practise and industry best practise. It is important for all businesses to review their contracts of employment and HR policies and procedures annually. Ensuring compliance can be challenging for employers both big and small alike. The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) is the statutory body responsible for inspecting businesses to ensure they are compliant. Where employers are found not to be compliant with employment legislation or if they fail to show have the necessary records in place employers may face substantial fines.

Up to the end of September 2010, NERA Inspectors had completed 3,903 inspections and over had receover over €742,848 in unpaid wages. Of these 3,903 inspection the level of compliance ranged from only 17% to 48%. The area in which most breaches were detected was under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 which regulates hours of work, breaks, annual leave etc.

Main issues identified by NERA were as follows:Failure to keep recordsFailure to keep records in the prescribed mannerFailure to keep records for three yearsFailure to pay the appropriate rate of pay (Sunday & Public Holidays)Failure to provide payslips to employeesInsufficient public holiday/annual leave

HR Health Check:Review of existing contracts of employmentReview of existing HR policies and ProceduresReview of staff handbooksReview of retained employment records against statutory requirementsRecommendation for impovements

How we assist clients:Development of new or revised contracts and statements of employmentDevelopment of new or revised HR policies and proceduresDevelopment and revision of Staff HandbooksEnsuring clients are aware of the legal obligations under current employment legislationEnsure clients have the necessary records in place to be able to prove their level of complianceAssist clients to avoid potential fines for non complianceHelp client prepare for a NERA Audit Assisting clients to implement NERA Audit recommendations

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