Contracts & Workplace Rights

employment law for business Ireland

Understanding Your Employment Contract

  • No written contract or missing terms, such as pay, hours or leave.

  • Unauthorised changes to duties, pay, or working hours without your consent.

  • Unlawful deductions, with wages being withheld or reduced without explanation.

  • Disputes about notice, such as not receiving proper notice when leaving or being dismissed.

  • Holiday and leave entitlements being denied, including your statutory right to annual leave, public holidays or parental leave.

  • Breaches of statutory rights, including:

    • Maximum average working week (48 hours)

    • Rest breaks and daily/weekly rest periods

    • Sunday work premiums, where applicable

    • Minimum wage compliance

If any of these sound familiar, you may have grounds to bring a claim.

Common Contract & Workplace Rights Issues

Problems with contracts and workplace rights often include:

Understanding Your Employment Contract

  • No written contract or missing terms such as pay, hours or leave.
  • Unauthorised changes to duties, pay, or working hours without your consent.
  • Unlawful deductions wages being withheld or reduced without explanation.
  • Disputes about notice not receiving proper notice when leaving or being dismissed.
  • Holiday and leave entitlements being denied your statutory right to annual leave, public holidays or parental entitlements.
  • Breaches of statutory rights, including:
  • Maximum average working week (48 hours).
  • Rest breaks and daily/weekly rest periods.
  • Sunday work premiums where applicable.
  • Minimum wage compliance.

 

If any of these sound familiar, you may have grounds to bring a claim.

employment contracts ireland

How FirstStep Can Help

We specialise in preparing your case for the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) so you can present it with confidence.

Our role is to:

  • Review your contract and identify where your rights may have been breached.

  • Explain your legal position clearly, so you know exactly where you stand.

  • Help you gather and organise evidence, such as payslips, emails or policy documents.

  • Prepare your written submissions and documentation for the WRC.

  • Provide you with a clear strategy so you feel confident moving forward.

We provide access to specialist employment law guidance without the premium fees.

Our Step-by-Step Process

Step 1

Initial Consultation (€350)

Every Case starts with a confidential 90 minute consultation.


For a fixed fee you get a specialist legal advice that delivers expert guidance and practical solutions you deserve.

Step 2

Case Review

We review your situation in detail before you commit to any proceedings. This includes:

A tailored intake questionnaire

Review of your documents in advance

A 90 minute 1:1 Consultation

A written opinion covering

The strengths and weaknesses of your case

The legal options available

Practical next steps

You will have a clear understanding of your options and decide confidently whether your case is worth pursing. You can make informed decisions about your cases with expert guidance.

Step 3

Case Presentation Options

If your case is suitable you can choose the structure that works best for you:

Fixed Fee Case Presentation one agreed fee with no surprises

Pay As Go Support flexible hourly or staged support gives you full control

We keep things simple with clear pricing and honest advice with no hidden costs

Deadlines Act Quickly

Most claims involving contracts and workplace rights must be lodged with the WRC within 6 months of the breach. This includes issues such as unlawful deductions, unpaid leave or notice disputes.

Acting early is important. The sooner you take advice, the stronger your case will be. Keep copies of contracts, payslips and any emails or notes that may support your claim.

Take the FirstStep Today

If your contract or workplace rights have been ignored or breached, do not wait. The law is on your side, but deadlines are short.

Book your consultation today and let us prepare your case with clarity, confidence, and care.

Expert employment law advice in Ireland. We offer clear guidance on workplace rights, contracts, and legal disputes, ensuring you’re protected and informed.

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