Farmers reminded of rights for agri workers

FARMERS with employees – or even one employee – have been reminded this week of new laws that have come into force as regards workers’ rights and conditions.

According to farm accounts specialists, Ifac, farmers should make themselves aware of the details of The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2018, designed to strengthen rights for so-called ‘vulnerable workers’.

It is also aimed at increasing the regulation around irregular employment contracts – failure to comply with the act or to deliberately supply false information could lead to a fine of up to €5,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for the offending farmer or employer.

Tom O’Farrell, Ifac Partner Athenry, said that even if a farmer only employed one person, it was important that they understood the implications of the new act and to be aware of the steps that they should take.

“There are now a number of core terms of employment, and employees who do not receive the statements of their core terms of employment within a specififed timeframe, can bring a claim to the Workplace Relations Commission and can be awarded up to four weeks remuneration,” said Tom O’Farrell.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.