The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) published its fifth Annual Report this week. Maybe the most notable figure from the report is that claims relating to hours of work were three times higher than the number of claims received under the same heading in 2018.
Here we take a look at some of the other key facts and figures from this year’s report and what it all means for employers.
Key figures from 2019
- Last year, the WRC recovered €3.9m in unpaid wages for workers. This is an increase of one fifth compared to 2018.
- The volume of complaints received by the WRC last year increased by 36% to 20,939.
- 30% of complaints related to ‘out of hours’ issues, 25% to pay issues, 10% to unfair dismissals and 9% to discrimination.
- The spike in complaints was largely due to collective actions concerning retained fire-fighters and hospital consultants and other complaints involving a firm of bookmakers.
- Prosecutions initiated by the WRC last year resulted in 125 employer convictions.
- Disputes in the WRC process covered 1.3m workers last year.
- 383 WRC decisions were appealed to the Labour Court last year. Of the 171 decisions handed down by the Labour Court, 45% were upheld, 21% were overturned and 29% decisions varied.
- WRC inspectors completed nearly 5,000 workplace inspections in 2019.
What do the figures mean for employers?
It’s interesting to note that hours of work and payment of wages are the two main issues that drove employee complaints to the WRC last year. The WRC commented that these figures may be attributable to a small number of collective actions but nevertheless it suggests that employees, particularly in unionised workplaces, are very aware of their rights and not afraid to assert them through the WRC.
All employers should be aware of their duties under employment law as employees appear to be very aware of how employment laws protect their interests.
Unannounced inspections and joint operations
The WRC also continues to maintain high levels of inspections as part of its compliance work. 60% of workplace inspections were unannounced and 402 inspections were carried out in association with An Garda Síochána or other state bodies.
WRC activity during COVID-19 crisis
While hearings are temporarily suspended, the WRC continues to accept online complaint forms either through the website or via email.
No physical inspections are taking place but inspectors are conducting telephone interviews and requiring employers to securely upload any specific and requested documents. The WRC is guided by Government and HSE advice in terms of best managing the pandemic and should the protocols around on-site inspections change, physical inspections will quickly resume.
Adjudication Officer decisions are being issued where parties are on notice that a decision is due.
Conclusions
The most interesting statistic from an employer perspective is the huge increase in complaints in relation to hours of work in 2019. Likewise, claims in relation to pay rose by 20% on the 2018 number. Whether these steep increases are attributable to the new obligations imposed on employers under the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 or European decisions on working time is unclear.
From an employer’s perspective, it remains vital to remain compliant with employment laws. Not only did WRC inspection activity remain high in 2019 but the annual report also indicates that employees are also now asserting their employment rights across a broader range of issues.
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