Employment
Statutory protection layered on contract, with a 2023 national minimum wage
Employment is governed by contract supplemented by statute, notably the Termination of Employment Law of 1967 which provides compensation for unfair dismissal and redundancy payments. A general national minimum wage was introduced for the first time in January 2023.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — Areas under the effective control of the Republic. The Industrial Disputes Court hears most claims.
- Deadline — Unfair dismissal claims to the Industrial Disputes Court: 12 months from the date of dismissal
- Deadline — Minimum notice periods run from one to eight weeks depending on length of service
Governing law
- Termination of Employment Law 24/1967
- Law 63(I)/2023 and the Minimum Wage Decree — national minimum wage from 1 January 2023
- Organisation of Working Time Law 63(I)/2002 — implementing the Working Time Directive
In practice
The Industrial Disputes Court has exclusive jurisdiction over unfair dismissal and redundancy claims and can award compensation up to a statutory maximum, though reinstatement is available. The introduction of a statutory national minimum wage in 2023 was a substantial change: before that, minimum pay was set only by collective agreement in particular sectors. Collective agreements are widespread and, although generally not directly legally enforceable in the way statute is, are honoured through an established industrial relations code. Employer contributions to the Social Insurance Fund and the General Healthcare System are compulsory.