The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 was passed by Dail Eireann in July 2018 and is currently before the Seanad for debate. The provisions include items relating to flexible hours which may have a significant impact on employers particularly those in the retail and hospitality sector.
Key provisions in the Bill include:
- providing new employees with a written statement of core terms of employment within five days of commencement;
- banning the use of ‘zero hour’ contracts except in very limited circumstances
- providing for the introduction of banded contract hours ;
- provides for a right to a minimum payment where an employee is required to be available for work but is not actually called into work;
The latest Amendment to the Bill makes it a criminal offence for employers to incorrectly designate employees as ‘self-employed’. However, it remains to be seen whether this particular provision will survive legislative scrutiny by the Seanad or whether we can expect further amendments as it progresses through the Seanad. In any case this Bill is an important one for employers as it will strong penalties for non compliance.