Recent WRC Decision Highlights Mistreatment of General Employment Permit Holders

By Andy Walsh, Associate.

A recent decision of the Workplace Relations Commission to award €71,000.00 to the holder of a General Employment Permit has illustrated how the holders of such permits can be vulnerable to mistreatment by some employers.

The WRC heard that a Pakistani employee who worked up to 115 hours a week in a phone shop and separate restaurant owned by the same employer had his wages unlawfully deducted and was not afford the statutory rest times and leave.

The holders of such permits are tied to their employer for an initial period of twelve months which is a condition of their visa.

KOD Lyons LLP Immigration Department has assisted many holders of such permits in availing of a Reactivation Employment Permit in circumstances where ill-treatment arises which allows for the severing of the employment service obligation.

In addition, KOD Lyons LLP Employment Department has assisted permit holders in vindicating their employment rights.

Permit holders are reminded that their rights under Irish employment law are not diminished or obviated by virtue of their status as permit holders.