It detected 1,760 employers who were in breach of employment law, and recovered unpaid wages totalling €1.66m.
Between 2015 and 2020, the WRC carried out 61 inspections of meat plants, almost half of which revealed breaches of employment law on issues including pay, working time, and employment permits.Of the 11 inspections carried out during 2020, five employers were found to be breaking the law.The average overall "breach rate" came to 48% - largely due to inadequate record keeping resulting in working time and unpaid wages issues.
Launching the report, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment acknowledged the recent Supreme Court finding that elements of the WRC's operations - including a blanket ban on public hearings and the failure to administer an oath to encourage truthful testimony - were unconstitutional. The report also reveals that in 2020, the WRC handled 53,000 calls - down from 55,000 in 2019 - and highlights its role in operating the Return to Work Safely Protocol, brokering a new public service agreement, and developing Codes of Practice.
And how many of those lovely employers face jail time.. NADA.. And that Cork individual gets 3 months for robbing fake eyelashes
Not good enough to simply 'recover' unpaid wages. Where are the fines and criminal charges to act as a deterrent and prevent more exploitation? Damien_English more needs to be done to protect vulnerable employees.