The Career Academy24/03/2024

Ireland's Work Revolution Has Begun

Understand the changes, plan your response, and upskill with practical courses.

Future of work in Ireland and remote working guidance

Ireland is updating how people work. A key change is the right to request remote working.

Employees can request remote working from their first day of employment. Any approved arrangement can begin after six months of service.

This comes from the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and the Workplace Relations Commission Code of Practice published in 2024. Other changes include expanded family leave, paid domestic violence leave, and wider gender pay gap reporting. Auto enrolment for pensions is planned and employers should prepare payroll and communications for its rollout.

Key Employment Changes in 2024 and 2025

The right to request remote working

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 creates a statutory right to request remote work. The WRC Code of Practice sets out what a good request and response should include, timelines, and record keeping. Employees may submit a request from day one. Approved arrangements can start after six months of service.

If you manage finance teams in a hybrid setup, see the AAT Accounting Pathway Program.

Domestic violence leave

Employees are entitled to up to five days paid domestic violence leave in any 12 months to access supports or to help a relevant person. Employers should confirm policy, confidentiality measures, and contact points. See the WRC guidance for eligibility and implementation.

WRC domestic violence leave guidance.

Parents' Leave and flexible working for caring

Parents' Leave is nine weeks for children born or adopted on or after 1 August 2024. Parent's Benefit is payable if PRSI conditions are met. The Act also provides a right to request flexible working for caring purposes, with process rules in the WRC Code.

HR teams can prepare with the Certificate in Personnel Management and HR.

Gender pay gap reporting thresholds

Mandatory reporting began in 2022 for employers with 250 or more employees. The threshold widened to 150 or more in 2024 and will extend to 50 or more in 2025. Employers must publish required metrics and a narrative explaining drivers and actions.

See an overview of thresholds and metrics in public guidance or your legal advisor's updates.

Auto enrolment for pensions

Auto enrolment is planned to increase pension coverage through employee, employer, and State contributions. Employers should plan for payroll integration, contribution funding, and staff communications. Monitor official announcements for the confirmed start date and operational details.

Finance leaders can strengthen capability with the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting.

AI and employment

AI is changing tasks across sectors. Employers should map roles to skills, invest in training, and consult staff on workflow changes. Use policy and risk controls to protect privacy and fairness. Independent reporting in Ireland highlights both opportunity and disruption, and points to reskilling as the best buffer.

Prepare teams for digital change with Business Courses.

Conclusion

The changes give employees more choice and ask employers to plan processes, documentation, and people support. With clear policies, training, and the right tools, organisations can turn compliance into better retention and productivity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request to work remotely now

Yes. From 7 March 2024 you can submit a request from day one. If approved, the arrangement can begin after six months of service. Follow the WRC Code for required details.

What does the WRC Code of Practice cover

It explains how to structure requests and responses, objective assessment, timelines, and records for remote and flexible working requests. It also covers appeals and changes.

Is domestic violence leave paid

Yes. Up to five days paid leave in any 12 months to access supports or assist a relevant person. Employers should confirm policy, confidentiality, and points of contact.

How much Parents' Leave is available

Nine weeks for children born or adopted on or after 1 August 2024. Parent's Benefit may be payable if you have enough PRSI contributions.

Who must report the gender pay gap in 2024 and 2025

Employers with 150 or more employees report in 2024. Employers with 50 or more will report in 2025. Reports include required pay and bonus metrics and a narrative.

What should employers do about auto enrolment

Monitor official timelines, prepare payroll for contributions, budget for employer matches, and plan staff communications. Confirm the go live date from the State when announced.