Minister Higgins Publishes Updated Information Handbook for Employees Facing Collective Redundancies

On August 13, 2024, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins TD, published an updated version of the "Information Handbook: Rights and Remedies available to Employees Facing a Collective Redundancy Situation." Initially published in 2021, the handbook offers guidance for employees dealing with collective redundancies following company insolvencies.

The update incorporates changes introduced by the Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Act 2024, effective from July 1, 2024. Key updates include:

1. 30-Day Notification Requirement: All collective redundancies, including those due to employer insolvency, must now observe a 30-day notification period before taking effect.
2. New Redress Mechanism: Employees can seek redress from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) if made redundant before the 30-day period ends.
3. Enhanced Employee Rights: Employees are now better informed as creditors and can expect more transparent communication during insolvency processes, including access to company financial statements and explanations from liquidators.
4. Liquidator Accountability: Liquidators managing redundancies must comply with the law, or face prosecution and fines up to €5,000.

Additionally, a Plain Language summary of the handbook has been released in eight languages to cater to Ireland's diverse workforce.

Minister Higgins emphasised the importance of the handbook as a resource for employees and encouraged its use by those potentially facing collective redundancies.

For more on the updated Information Handbook, please see here.