Diploma in Employment Law

Overview

Over recent years the developments in Employment Law have meant that it has become a prominent and important topic in today’s business environment. This introductory course in this highly relevant subject is aimed at providing an overview of the main elements of both Irish and European employment legislation as it relates to both employers and employees.

Programme Aims and Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide the student with an overview of the laws and regulations that affect the functioning of the employment relationship. The programme examines the duties of both employees and employers and attempts to provide students with a broad understanding of employment law issues through the analysis of existing legislation and case law. On successful completion of this programme all participants will have studies the main sources of employment law including the concept of “employee”, the design of an employment contract, equality issues including harassment in the workplace, holidays and leave entitlements, termination of contracts and redundancy issues, health and safety concerns and the effects of collective bargaining.

Assessment

To meet the requirements of the Diploma in Employment Law, a student will be required to complete a written assignment (100%).

Course Content

• Contract of Employment: Students will examine the difference between employees and independent contractors and be introduced to the concept of vicarious liability. The main terms that a prudent employer should include in a contract of employment and the various types of employment contracts are also explored.
• Legal framework in Employment Law: The legal framework within which Employment Law operates including an analysis of the Constitution, Statute Law, Common Law and European Law. The various forums that are used for dispute resolution are also examined.
• Protective Legislation: This section looks at the obligations imposed upon employers in relation to the provision of protective leave including leave under the Organisation of Working Time legislation, maternity, parental, carer and adoptive leave.
• Employment Equality and Harassment: Students will discuss the main features of the Employment Equality Acts in relation to equal treatment and equal pay and direct and indirect discrimination and the limited grounds where discrimination is permitted. The related topics of harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace will also be explored.
• Bullying and Stress Claims: The duties and obligations imposed upon an employer to provide a bullying and stress free working environment are examined and assessed.
• Termination of the contract of employment: Lawful means of terminating the employment contract are discussed alongside the doctrines of unfair and wrongful dismissal. This lecture also covers termination by redundancy and the various factors involved in the redundancy process including calculation of payments and collective redundancies.
• Health and Safety: This section looks at the area of health and safety legislation and current standards as expressed in legislation.
• Confidentiality, Restraint of Trade, and Data Protection: This section of the course examines post- termination restrictive covenants in the context of the employment contract. Common law and statutory duties in relation to the acquisition, preservation and treatment of sensitive information – by both employers and employees.
• Employment of Non-Nationals: Obligations on employers as regards the employment of non-nationals including an analysis of The Employment Permits Acts and the various types of work permits available for foreign workers.

Structure

This programme examines the duties of both employees and employers and attempts to provide students with a broad understanding of employment law issues through the analysis of existing legislation and case law. Students will attend class one evening per week. On successful completion all participants will have studied the main sources of employment law including the concept of “employee”, the design of an employment contract, equality issues including harassment in the workplace, holidays and leave entitlements, termination of contracts and redundancy issues, health & safety concerns and the effects of collective bargaining.

Career Progression Opportunities

Due to the complexity and increasing relevance of employment law in running a business today this course has a huge practical significance for individuals who are engaged in any business where employees are engaged. From an academic perspective it provides an insight and analysis of the main components of a highly specialised area of law.

Student Profile

Due to its increasing relevance this course has attracted a wide variety of participants including employers, lawyers and human resource executives.

Fees

The fee for this Diploma is €1,325. This is inclusive of tuition, registration, exam fees and DBS library membership.This fee must be paid in full before the course begins.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about your course of interest. The open day will give you the opportunity to receive one on one advice and direction from leading academics in your chosen subject area, meet current students and also have your questions answered on entry requirements, student support and the admissions process. Find out when our next Open Event is taking place. The Admissions Office is located in our Aungier Street campus and you are welcome to visit the college to speak with a member of our admissions team from Monday to Fridays, 8:45am – 5:15pm. Alternatively, you can contact us by email.