Protection of Part-Time Employees Work Act

Ireland ensures equal treatment among workers.

Ireland brought to force The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 to ensure that part-time employees receive a workplace environment and treatment equal to that of those employed on a full-time basis.

Significance

The act also seeks to bring forth equal protection in any current or future employee protection legislation, with qualifying conditions--aside from hours' thresholds--being mandated equally between full- and part-time workers. The legislation applies to those working under contracts of employment, internships, or through employment agencies.

Requirements

This act repealed The Worker Protection (Regular Part-Time Employees) Act 1991, which previously required an employment period of at least 13 weeks, with a minimum of eight hours worked weekly, to be provided equal protection. A part-timer is considered to be a "casual" employee is his period of service is less than 13 weeks.

Complaints

The employee or a trade union to which the employ belongs may register a complaint concerning unfair treatment to the rights commissioner. "The commissioner shall give the parties an opportunity to be heard by the commissioner and to present to the commissioner any evidence relevant to the complaint, shall give a decision in writing in relation to it and shall communicate the decision to the parties," reads the law.

References

• Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment: Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001
• Office of the Attorney General: Irish Statute Book