Employment Law Analysis Essay Example
Employment Law Analysis Essay Example

Employment Law Analysis Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1157 words)
  • Published: March 6, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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A labour law instrument known as an employment contract delineates the responsibilities and rights of its associated parties. The contract involves two parties, one termed the "employee," who is "hired" by the other party referred to as the "employer." This agreement has roots in the master-servant legislation prevalent before the 20th century. In broad terms, an employment contract epitomizes a relationship characterized by economic dependence and social subordination. Renowned labour attorney, Sir Otto Kahn-Freund, emphasizes that this relationship between an employer and a single employee or worker typically signifies a power dynamic with one party being dominant over another.

At the beginning, it's a surrender, during its execution, it's a state of being inferior, even though this surrender and subordination can often be hidden behind the essential legal concept known as 'employment contract'. The pri

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mary aim of labour law has been, and will always be to serve as a balancing force to offset the inevitable unequal bargaining power in the employment relationship. An employment contract, typically, does not imply the exact same as a "service contract".

Throughout history, "contract of service" is distinct from a "contract for services". The terms differentiate a person classified as an "employee" from a "self-employed" individual. The significance of this classification is to assign specific rights to certain categories of workers. These rights may include entitlement to a minimum wage, paid time off, sick leave, protection against unfair termination, provision of a written contract detail, the freedom to join a trade union, and the like.

It is believed that truly self-sufficient individuals can manage their own matters. As a result, there should be no duty to guard these rights when conducting wor

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for others. This distinction is mirrored in Roman law with the terms locatio conductio operarum and locatio conductio operis, denoting separate types of service hiring agreements. However, this topic can be difficult to understand due to the numerous contract variations involving one party working for another.

The status of an individual could vary from an "employee" to being identified as a "worker" (potentially meaning reduced employment law protection) or having an "employment relationship" (providing a middle ground in terms of protection). They could notably also be recognized as a "professional" or a "dependent entrepreneur", among other designations. This is subject to interpretation that varies across countries, each applying their specific complexities to the issue. In the context of Ireland, any person employed for a fixed wage or salary is automatically considered under a contract of employment.

Although it is not mandatory for the total contract to be drafted physically, an employee should receive a document containing the terms of employment within two months from their start date. A large proportion of employees are hired under indefinite contracts that persist until either the employer or the employee terminates it. However, many employees are also engaged under fixed-term or specific-purpose contracts. These are contracts with a predefined end date or cease when a certain task is finalized.

The employment agreement will encompass certain elements, irrespective of whether they are explicitly stated by the employer and employee. These include: • The conditions that, according to the courts, are present in all employment contracts. Such conditions involve the responsibility of the employer to ensure a safe working environment and the obligation of the employee to perform his/her duties to the best of

their capabilities, often referred to as "common law." • Specific terms mandated by laws enacted by the Dail to be incorporated into the contract.

This can be exemplified by the right to maternity leave. Such stipulations are a fundamental part of employment contracts, even if they haven't been explicitly agreed upon by both parties involved - the employee and employer. These provisions override any previous agreement between the two parties that contradicts them. Hence, an employee's legal entitlement to maternity leave takes precedence over any former agreement with their employer about not taking such leaves. The Constitution of Ireland requires certain conditions to be encompassed in all agreements, such as a worker's right to join labor unions. In line with Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001, employers must provide written information concerning job terms within two months from the start of employment.

The terms of agreement should contain certain information: • Full names of both employer and employee • Employer's address • Location of work • Job title or nature of work • Employment commencement date. If it's a temporary contract, its expected timeframe • For fixed-term contracts, their specifics • Legally required rest periods and breaks information • *Payment amount or the way it is calculated • Referencing pay period relative to the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 • *Pay frequencies • *Working hours

• *Employee's privilege to request from the employer a written statement of their average hourly pay per National Minimum Wage Act 2000 provisions
• *Information on paid vacations • *Details about sick leave compensation and retirement benefits (if applicable) *The notice period required either from the employer or employee • *Information on any

collective agreements that might influence employment terms. For the marked points, employers may direct employees to other resources like pension brochures or collective agreements instead of providing written specifics, granted the employee can easily access these resources. The terms of agreement should reveal the reference period the employer utilizes for calculating benefits under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

As per the provisions of the Act, it is within an employer's legal right to set a worker's minimum wage for a reference period that ranges from at least one week to a maximum of one month. Furthermore, the Labour Relations Commission has published the Code of Practice: Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures, advising employers to have documented processes for managing grievances and disciplinary situations. It is crucial that these documents are given to employees when they start their job. According to the Unfair Dismissals Acts (1977-2007), before terminating an employment contract, employers must provide a written notice detailing these procedures.

The accomplishment of this must be done four weeks following the commencement of the job contract. Lately, employers have begun to incorporate specific provisions in their employment agreements that restrict workers' capacity to operate in certain sectors, or with specified clients or suppliers, for a set timeframe after they stop working. These stipulations can directly prohibit the worker from engaging in particular industries, or dealing with or for clients or suppliers connected to their previous employer.

According to Irish employment laws, there is no explicit ban or endorsement related to this particular subject. Primarily, it depends on contractual law, particularly the job contract mutually agreed upon by both the employee and employer. If you find this issue significant, it's

advisable to engage with a legal expert prior to finalizing such an agreement. Keep in mind that even post signing the contract, you retain the right for legal consultation. Note that charges for legal help in Ireland can greatly differ hence it's suggested to assess prices and collect multiple quotations before proceeding with any legal procedures.

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