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Employment Law


Running a profitable and successful business is reliant on working with a competent team you can trust. At the heart of an accomplished team are strong employer-employee relations, which bind the business together in the pursuit of common and mutually beneficial goals.

Working closely with employers, our experienced employment law solicitors maintain and enhance healthy relationships to promote a positive and productive working culture. For employees, we deliver professional, honest and straightforward advice to protect their legal rights.

Employment Law

Legal assistance for employees

It is not until workplace problems arise you realise just how stressful, distressing and all-consuming they can be. At M.M. Halley & Son, our sensitive, highly skilled employment law solicitors advise on the best action you can take against an employer, and, where appropriate, assist you with a subsequent claim. We provide an honest, attentive and expert service on a range of employment issues, including:

  • Unfair or wrongful dismissal
  • Bullying and harassment
  • Disciplinary and performance related proceedings
  • Inequality and discrimination
  • Settlement agreements
  • Negotiating contracts of employment
  • Severance agreements
  • Equal pay, wages and working time regulations

Our employment law solicitors have acted for clients have represented clients in claims before the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT), the Equality Tribunal, the Rights Commissioners, the Labour Court and the High Court.

Legal assistance for employers

With awards for unfair dismissal and discrimination claims escalating dramatically, our employment law specialists keep you fully updated, informed and protected in this rapidly changing area of law. This reduces the risk of litigation and disputes, whilst reinforcing relationships throughout the business.

With 70 years’ experience delivering practical and legal advice to businesses in Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny, we put the solid legal foundations in place to prevent employment issues from arising; however, if a problem should surface, we act quickly and decisively to minimise the impact on your business.

Our employment law solicitors advise on:

  • Contracts of employment
  • Employee policies and procedures
  • Employee incentive schemes
  • Compromise agreements
  • Redundancies, lay-offs and short-time working
  • Disciplinary procedures and related issues
  • Dismissals
  • Bullying and harassment
  • Discrimination and employment equality

For further information…

For a free initial consultation with our employment law specialist, please call Emmet Halley, Frank Halley on 051 874 073, or email: info@mmhalley.com.

Employment Law FAQs for Employees

What constitutes unfair or wrongful dismissal?

Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is dismissed without a fair reason or without following proper procedures. Wrongful dismissal involves breaching the terms of the employment contract, such as not giving proper notice.

How is bullying and harassment in the workplace addressed?


Bullying and harassment are prohibited in the workplace. If you’re experiencing this, you should report it to your employer or HR department. Legal action can be taken if the issue is not resolved internally.

What are my rights in disciplinary and performance-related proceedings?


You have the right to be informed of any allegations against you, to present your side, to be accompanied by a representative, and to appeal any decisions made against you.

What should I do if I face inequality or discrimination at work?


If you face discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, you can file a complaint with your employer or take legal action under the Employment Equality Acts.

What are settlement agreements and how do they work?


Settlement agreements are legally binding contracts that resolve disputes between employers and employees, often involving a financial settlement in exchange for you waiving certain legal claims.

What should I consider when negotiating contracts of employment or severance agreements?


Consider terms such as salary, benefits, job responsibilities, termination clauses, and severance pay. It’s advisable to seek legal advice to ensure your rights and interests are protected.


Employment Law FAQs for Employers

What should be included in contracts of employment?

Contracts should include job title, duties, salary, working hours, notice periods, and termination conditions. They must comply with legal standards and clearly outline the terms of employment.

Why are employee policies and procedures important?

Clear policies and procedures help ensure compliance with employment laws, provide guidelines for acceptable behaviour, and outline the process for handling issues like grievances and disciplinary actions.

How can employee incentive schemes be implemented?

Incentive schemes, such as bonuses, stock options, or profit-sharing, should be designed to motivate employees and align with business goals. They must be fair, transparent, and legally compliant.

What are compromise agreements, and when are they used?

Compromise agreements are legally binding agreements used to resolve disputes, typically involving the employee agreeing to waive certain legal claims in exchange for compensation.

How should redundancies, lay-offs, and short-time working be handled?

These situations must be handled in accordance with legal requirements, including fair selection processes, proper notice, and potential redundancy payments. Consultation with employees is also key.

What are the best practices for handling disciplinary procedures, dismissals, and issues of bullying and harassment?


Follow clear procedures as outlined in your policies, ensure fair and unbiased treatment, document all actions taken, and provide training to prevent bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

If you require further information or advice on any aspect of Employement Law, get in touch today to book a free initial consultation with our employment law specialists. Please call on 051 874 073, or email: info@mmhalley.com.

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We Look forward to Speaking with You!

Our highly skilled team of solicitors and legal experts are here to help you with all your legal needs. Contact MM Halley & Sons today.