Introduction to Employment Law

Course details

Understanding employment law is an absolute necessity for first line managers because they are becoming increasingly involved in employment contracts and disciplinary/grievance procedures. This accredited, six-week course examines employment law as a management issue for the human services and non-profit sector

Completing the course will provide you with detailed knowledge of:

• The formal legislative framework and processes governing employment in the sector
• The purpose and procedural practices of the Unfair Dismissals Acts (1977-2007) and their role in determining employer/employee practice
• The central importance of Equality legislation in human services and non-profit organisations
• Employment contracts, disciplinary and grievance procedures as a first line manager specific issue
• The legislative context of the recruitment and selection process
• Training as a first line management issue

Successful completion of the course should lead to improved better Employment practice, encourage the quality agenda and contribute towards improved organisational excellence for you and your team.

Who Is This Course For?

The course is for first line supervisors and managers who need to understand employment law in Ireland and want to participate in in an accredited programme developed specifically for the human services and non-profit sector.

It is particularly suitable for people engaged in continuing professional development. Upon successful completion, you will receive 10 educational credits towards a Level 6 Applied Management award.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing the course you should be able to:

• Identify and discuss the three sources of Irish Law that determine the legislative and contractual context in which employment law operates
• Describe the work of the primary institutions of labour law and the main activities of the Circuit and High Court
• Understand what constitutes good practice in respect to managing and implementing disciplinary procedures
• Describe in detail the process of recruiting employees from induction though to the completion of a probationary period
• Appreciate the importance of ‘Induction Training’ for new recruits

Contents

Unit 1: An Introduction to Employment Law

• Sources of Law – The Constitution, Statutes & Common Law
• Body of Employment Legislation
• Employment Law Institutions
• Employment Appeals Tribunal
• Labour Relations Commission
• Rights Commissioner
• The Labour, Circuit & High Courts
• Workplace Relations Reform

Unit 2: Unfair Dismissals Acts – 1977–2007

• Unfair Dismissals Acts: Qualifying to Bring a Claim
• Justifying the Dismissal
• The Requirement to Act Fairly
• Constructive Dismissal
• Fixed Term/Specific Purpose Contracts
• Non-Qualification under Legislation
• Claimant’s Application Procedure
• Key Note on Unfair Dismissals Acts
• Reform of the States Workplace Relations

Unit 3: Equality, Health & Safety

• The Employment Equality Act, 1998 – 2011
• The Equal Status Act 2000-2012
• What is Discrimination? Rules & Redress
• The Role of the Equality Tribunal
• Common Equality Issues in the Workplace
• The Importance of Health & Safety Legislation & Practice
• The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 2005
• (General application) Regulations Act, 2007
• Other Legislation
• Risk Assessment & the Safety Statement
• Risk Assessment Guidelines for the Effective Manager
• Safety Management
• Measuring & Reviewing Organisational Performance
• Bullying & Harassment in the Workplace
• Workplace Stress

Unit 4: Contracts, Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures

• Employment Contracts – Principles & Elements
• Contract “of” Service/Contract “for” Service
• Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures
• Disciplinary Policy & Practice
• Grievance Policy & Practice

Unit 5: Recruitment & Selection

• The Recruitment & Selection Process
• HR Planning
• Job Analysis – Duties, Responsibilities & Specification
• Recruitment – Sources & Methods
• Selection – The Interview Process
• Induction
• The Probation Period

Unit 6: Training & Development

• Functions of Training
• Who is Responsible for Training?
• Required Skills
• Training Policy
• Training Courses
• Training in Practice
• Identifying Training Needs
• Organising & Implementing Training
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Induction Training

Assessment

Successful completion is dependent on undertaking an online examination and completing a written assessment. The former will test your knowledge of the course learning materials. The latter will help evaluate how well you can apply this knowledge in your workplace. This will allow you explore the practical implications of employment legislation in an environment where you have the support of expert tutors and professional colleagues who are likely to be facing the same issues as you are.

Qualification

The course is certified by the QQI/HETAC as a Level 6 Award. Successful participants will be awarded a Certificate in In Introduction to Employment Law. Successful participants will hold 10 credits against the Certificate in Applied Management (Non profit / Human services).