Ruth D'Alton

There is so much talk about putting resources into industry training and then we learn that the money employers are giving is being stockpiled and not being applied for the purpose it was designed for. Why is this the case. Let industry train their employees in skills that will make a difference for employees and employers alike.

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The Employment Permits Act 2024 brings major reforms to Ireland’s employment permit system, making it more flexible for today’s labor market needs. Read more about the key changes and how they may impact you here: https://ow.ly/KCEh30sGPXq

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Is your organisation doing enough to support employee satisfaction and career growth? This week’s AIB Review piece challenges you to rethink your workplace strategies with the article, "Boosting Satisfaction and Career Growth with Family Benefits and Inclusive Policies." The article explores the critical impact of inclusive policies on enhancing employee satisfaction and career progression. By implementing family benefits and supportive initiatives, companies can significantly improve engagement, retention and professional development. It also confronts the ongoing challenges faced by pregnant and parenting workers, emphasising the urgent need to address discrimination and inequality to create a truly inclusive environment. Authored by Samir Sukkar and Dr Mahan Poorhosseinzadeh, this thought-provoking piece draws on examples from industry leaders like Google and Patagonia to show the positive impacts of embracing inclusion. Learn more about how inclusive policies can transform your organisation and empower employee career growth by reading the full article here 🔽 https://bit.ly/3LYu8Jx

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To support Organisations with compliance activity in response to the latest updates in Irish employment law, this e-Book covers recent employment law changes and expected developments for the rest of 2024

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The EU Adequate Minimum Wage Directive: Getting the Collective Bargaining Provisions Wrong   In an article in today’s Irish Times, Eoin Burke-Kennedy reports on an interview with the new Irish Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Peter Burke. In the article, Burke-Kennedy writes:   “Another potential headache for Government is the incoming EU directive on adequate minimum wages which (obliges Member States) ... to ensure that collective bargaining wage agreements cover up to 80 per cent of the workforce. Currently in Ireland, the rate is just 35 per cent.”   The Directive does not require governments to ensure that 80% of the workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements. The 80% is an indicator, not a target. Something the EU thinks would be a “nice to have”, rather than a “must have”.   Member States are not required to oblige employers to negotiate with unions. Rather, they should put in place frameworks that would facilitate such bargaining if the parties agree to bargain. You cannot make people negotiate with one another against their will.   Certainly, you can pass a law which says that an employer should meet with a union that has a certain percentage of a bargaining unit in membership. The law can put the union in the room. However, the law cannot make the employer agree to anything the union might ask for. Just look at how things work in the US.   There are only two alternatives to a negotiated agreement between an employer and a union:   1.  Mandatory, legally binding arbitration that imposes a settlement on the parties. This possibility already exists in Irish law through the Industrial Relations Amendment Acts, which allows the Labour Court to impose terms and conditions where “it is not the practice of the employer to engage in collective bargaining”. But, from the data, it appears to be a road less travelled by the unions. 2.  The union calls a strike to enforce its demands, the traditional way of exerting union power. However, this requires the union to have enough members to make the strike effective. Nor does the Directive oblige governments to introduce sectoral bargaining where it does not already exist. For a start, define “sectors” in a modern economy.   At the end of the day, if unions want employers to negotiate with them then they need to have sufficient members to give them the leverage to get the employer to seriously engage. Want a collective bargaining agreement? Get members. Otherwise, the law will not deliver for the unions.   https://lnkd.in/ecTDtvsZ

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The latest IrishJobs report reveals positive signs in the Irish jobs market: Vacancy Levels Steady for the first time in 2 years with no decline in job postings. Sectors like catering, trades, health, and retail see vacancy growth. While some export-related sectors show slight dips, the overall trend suggests a mature and strong jobs market. Interestingly fully remote positions saw a decrease, to 2.2%, down from its highest level of 3.3% in the third quarter of 2023, but IT and construction remain significant job hubs. Mr. Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs, expects greater stability in vacancy rates over the coming months. He also highlights the positive performance of domestic sectors, which may be fueled by a rise in real incomes among the Irish population. To read the article click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/eFNA4EcF #IrishJobsMarket #Jobs #Employment #Ireland To hear more about Raretec Recruitment and actuarial roles visit our website www.raretec.ie

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Learn the latest insights and best practices on supporting employees in #outplacement situations with the appropriate level support. The case for proactive financial support is stronger than ever... https://lnkd.in/eA6BS3V8

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This should be a really interesting piece, people are living longer and are healthier for longer and many want to continue their working life beyond the usual 65. Older employees have an abundance of experience and a wealth of knowledge to share, it feels like we’re missing a trick by not tapping into that more deliberately. What do you think, share your views, take the survey!

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Almost "Summer 2024" and Accounting teams are heading off on well deserved holidays...as are Talent Acquisition teams. If you are on the look out for Accounting professionals to fill interim or perm vacancies please do not hesitate to contact me today at [email protected] I am working with one super Financial Accountant with excellent references who is ready to start in a new role next Monday! #Insurance #afrecruitment #ACA #ACCA

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Now that Auto Enrolment Pensions is less than 5 months away. We have had many employers with Irish based staff booking meetings with us, to find out how it will affect them. Join me on the 16th of May to explain how Auto Enrolment will affect your business and your employees. #AutoEnrolment #Ireland #Employers #Webinar #Pensions #Kota

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Work isn’t a place — it is a set of activities that we engage in to achieve desired results. The ongoing debate around #hybridworking reflects this truth and challenges leaders to consider the best paths forward. In a Business Post piece published this week, Eimear Harty articulates the hybrid working strategy at Bank of Ireland and our focus on empowering teams and individuals to understand, to own, to be accountable for, and to work in ways that deliver great outcomes for our colleagues and our customers. #flexibility #leadership #inclusion #futureofwork

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Government Revenue Surplus of €500m in Q1 as revenue and Expenditure rise. The government achieved a surplus of €500m in the first quarter of the year, with both revenue and expenditure seeing year-on-year increases. According to the CSO (Central Statistics Office Ireland) , tax revenue in Q1 reached €28.8bn, up by €1.3bn from the same period in 2023. This growth was primarily fueled by a €400m rise in social contributions and an additional €100m in investment income. On the expenditure side, there was a €1.4bn increase, totaling €28.3bn. CSO statistician Paul McElvaney attributed this rise to higher pay, increased social benefits, and a surge in gross fixed capital formation, highlighting investments made by local companies. #GovernmentSurplus #RevenueGrowth #ExpenditureIncrease #EconomicUpdate Brightwater Executive

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Great Strategic Leadership Opportunity

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Some interesting insights from a report by IrishJobs on Evolving Work Preferences for Irish Jobseekers. See below the changing landscape on what is important to workers in the Irish market. Review against your own company offering to assist in retaining your current employees but also in attracting new talent into your team. #employeeengagement #employeeretention #jobperks

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Despite greater visibility and accountability, the pay gap persists, in Ireland and beyond. And as we know, the gap extends far beyond wages into other crucial areas like retirement savings. The inequity is deeply rooted as pay increases, bonuses, and benefits are often structured using flawed criteria that perpetuate the pay gap. Even pay-neutral benefits like paid leave tend to favor those with longer tenure, thereby putting female employees at a disadvantage due to their higher likelihood of work gaps. Pay Transparency legislation will shine a brighter spotlight on these inequities, and we are here to help with the diagnostics and the solutions. 🔗  https://aon.io/3zsdnTZ #PayTransparency #EmployeeBenefits #BenefitsEquity #GenderPayGap #Aon

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A piggery worker was recently awarded €14,000 after taking only 18 days of holidays over six years. This case is an important reminder for employers that annual leave entitlements don't simply expire and are a legal right. Claiming to adopt a "use it or lose it" policy is not enough. Employers must: Clearly communicate their annual leave policy to employees. Regularly remind employees to take their leave. Maintain records showing that you've encouraged leave to be taken. Failing to do so can result in hefty backdated awards, as demonstrated by this case. Protect your business—stay compliant and ensure employees take their time off. #HRCompliance #AnnualLeave #EmployeeRights #EmploymentLaw #WorkplaceWellness #HR MSS - The HR People

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2024 -- High Performance Leadership Skills by ICBE Irish Centre for Business Excellence 1: Emotions & Risk taking 2: Coaching and Developing 3: Culture, DEI & Communication 4: Influencing & Assertiveness We don't see anything related to hard skills (professional expertise etc). We see only strong character! Building others we can only when you're able to be self-made!

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HERO's 2024 Salary Guide for Ireland is here! Our exclusive 2024 Permanent Salary Guide offers deep dives into: ✅Detailed salary information for various STEM fields, including HR and Supply Chain. ✅Gender diversity trends in key sectors. ✅In-demand skills and hiring insights. Download your copy now! #STEMRecruitment #STEMSalaries #HiringTrends #SalarySurvey2024

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