This module is designed to introduce the student to employment law in the context of the individual employment relationship and to be able to advise on current employment law issues.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
LO1
Describe the development of Irish Employment Law by reference to precedent, legislation and European Union Law.
LO2
Explain the difference between a contract of service and a contract for services with reference to relevant case law.
LO3
Describe key statutory rights and obligations in the employment relationship.
LO4
Explain the legal rules relating to equality in the workplace.
LO5
Describe the statutory provisions governing termination of an employment contract.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named CIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
It is recommended that students taking this module have previously studied Introduction to the Irish Legal System or equivalent
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Development of Employment Law in Ireland
Definitions of employment law and labour law. Historical and theoretical perspectives. Identifying the sources of employment law. The impact of EU law.
Identifying the Contract of Employment
The difference between a contract of service and a contract for services and the significance of this distinction in employment law.
Terms of the Contract of Employment
Terms implied by common law and terms implied by legislation. Requirements relating to notice and information. Payment of wages, minimum wage, working time, maternity, parental and adoptive leave.
Equality in the Workplace
The development of employment equality law in Ireland. Direct and indirect discrimination. Gender and non gender equality.
Dismissal from Employment
Wrongful, unfair and constructive dismissal. Redundancy and the importance of fair procedures.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Course Work
30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
70.00%
Course Work
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Short Answer Questions
Statutory rights and obligations. Employment status.
1,2
30.0
Week 8
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
End-of-Semester Final Examination
2,3,4,5
70.0
End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
The institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type
Workload Description
Hours
Frequency
Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture
Presentation of Topic
3.0
Every Week
3.00
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact)
Reading and Research
4.0
Every Week
4.00
Total Hours
7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload
7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours
3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type
Workload Description
Hours
Frequency
Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture
Presentation of Topic
2.0
Every Week
2.00
Directed Learning
Reading and Research
5.0
Every Week
5.00
Total Hours
7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload
7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours
2.00
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
Mary Faulkner 2013, Essentials of Irish Labour Law, Gill & Macmillan [ISBN: 9780717152629]
Carolan, EU Law for Students in Ireland, Gill & Macmillan Ltd [ISBN: 9780717146031]
Supplementary Book Resources
Lewis 2015, How to master workplace & employment mediation, Bloomsbury Professional [ISBN: 9781780437941]
This module does not have any article/paper resources