Statutory codes of practice on pay inequality and workplace harassment – which are legally admissible in evidence in proceedings before the courts, the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court – are now available.

The codes have been developed by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). They set out procedures to ensure that employees receive equal pay for equal work, and are not subjected to any type of harassment.

The Code of Practice on Equal Pay offers guidance on the right to equal pay, how to eliminate pay inequality, and how to resolve pay disputes.

Sexual harassment

The Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment and Harassment at Work offers definitions and prevention measures.

IHREC has also been provided with new legal powers to tackle gender pay gaps in organisations through the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021.

The act will require organisations with over 250 employers to publish information on any gender pay gap, and to explain what measures are being taken to reduce it.