WRC 2024 Report Highlights Increased Compliance Enforcement and Key Workplace Trends

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has released its annual report for 2024, offering valuable insights into workplace trends and outlining the compliance focus areas for the WRC’s inspectorate division.

Key findings from the 2024 WRC annual report include:

Intensified Workplace Inspections: The Inspectorate conducted 6,217 workplace inspection visits. A significant emphasis was placed on ensuring adherence to the National Minimum Wage, regulations within the Commercial Sea Fishing sector, and addressing labour exploitation through the EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) campaign.

Significant Recovery of Unpaid Wages: In 2024, 5,156 inspections were finalized, leading to the recovery of €2.15 million in unpaid wages for employees. Furthermore, successful prosecutions for non-compliance saw a notable increase of 27% compared to 2023, indicating a stronger enforcement stance.

Evolving Codes of Practice: The Code of Practice on the Right to Request Remote and/or Flexible Working was officially published on March 7, 2024. Additionally, the Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working (SI No 8 of 2006) is currently undergoing a review, with its completion anticipated in the first half of 2025.

Persistent Grounds for Equality Referrals: Referrals submitted under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2021 continue to highlight disability, gender, and race as the primary grounds for employment equality concerns raised with the WRC.

Notable Adjudications: The report also drew attention to employee claims that were adjudicated upon by the WRC. These cases involved recently introduced entitlements such as statutory sick pay and the right to request remote working arrangements. There was also a noted increase in claims related to employment status, a trend likely influenced by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Revenue Commissioners-v-Karshan (Midlands) Ltd T/A Domino’s Pizza and subsequent guidance issued by Revenue.

Reinforcing the Financial Importance of Legal Compliance: The WRC’s 2024 annual report underscores the critical importance for organisations to maintain robust compliance with Ireland’s comprehensive employment law framework. The report demonstrates the WRC’s ongoing commitment to active compliance monitoring, effective dispute resolution, and public awareness initiatives regarding statutory employment rights through its Information and Customer Service Unit.

Financial Value of Legal Compliance for Organisations: Beyond avoiding penalties and legal costs associated with non-compliance (such as the €2.15 million in recovered unpaid wages and the increased successful prosecutions highlighted in the report), proactive legal compliance offers significant financial advantages for organisations. It fosters a fair and equitable work environment, which can lead to increased employee morale, engagement, and productivity. Reduced employee turnover, stemming from positive working conditions and fair treatment, translates to lower recruitment and training costs. Furthermore, a strong reputation for ethical and legally sound practices can enhance an organisation’s brand image, attracting both talent and customers, ultimately contributing to long-term financial sustainability and growth.