WRC Complaints
Taking a Complaint to the WRC?
The Workplace Relations Commission is where most employment claims in Ireland are decided - unfair dismissal, discrimination, payment of wages, working time, penalisation and more. You can bring a complaint yourself, but employers almost always arrive with legal representation, and cases are frequently won or lost on how the complaint is framed and prepared long before the hearing date.
We handle the full WRC process for you:
- Assessing your case and identifying every claim you can bring - many complaints involve more than one
- Lodging your complaint correctly and inside the time limits
- Preparing your written submissions and evidence so your case is put at its strongest
- Negotiating settlement where that gets you the best outcome - most cases resolve without a hearing
- Representing you at the adjudication hearing, and on appeal to the Labour Court if needed
Time limits apply - most WRC complaints must be lodged within 6 months, so get advice early.
Why Representation Matters
An adjudication hearing is a formal legal process: evidence is taken, witnesses can be cross-examined, and decisions are published. Well-prepared cases settle more often and settle higher, because the employer's side can see the claim will hold up. In our experience, 80% of the claims we handle resolve without a hearing at all - and where a hearing is needed, you have someone in your corner who does this every week.
Workplace Relations Commission Complaints
Expert legal advice on bringing or defending a WRC complaint under Irish employment law.
Whether you’re an employer or employee, our Dublin based employment solicitors can guide you through every stage of the process, from initial complaint to enforcement.
The Workplace Relations Commission was established under the Workplace Relations Act 2015, replacing the Labour Relations Commission, Rights Commissioner Service, Equality Tribunal, and National Employment Rights Authority.
It is now the primary body for resolving employment disputes in Ireland.
Our Process
1. Assess Your Claim
We review the facts and advise on the various heads of claim that may apply to your workplace dispute, ensuring nothing is overlooked before a complaint is submitted.
2. Meet the Deadline
WRC complaints must generally be submitted within six months of the issue arising. Where exceptional circumstances exist, an extension may be granted, but the reason for delay must be reasonable and clearly explained.
3. Attend the Hearing
An Adjudication Officer will hear both sides, review the evidence, and issue a decision. We prepare your case fully and represent you throughout the hearing.
4. Enforce or Appeal
If either party is unhappy with the decision, an appeal can be made to the Labour Court within 42 days. If the other side fails to comply with a final decision, enforcement can be sought through the District Court.
Evaluate & Improvement
Before submitting a WRC complaint, employees are expected to have raised the issue internally and given their employer a reasonable opportunity to address it.
Failure to exhaust internal grievance procedures can seriously undermine a claim. The WRC also has the power to dismiss complaints it considers frivolous, vexatious, misconceived, or made in bad faith.
A Labour Court appeal is heard on a de novo basis, meaning the case is heard again from the beginning, not simply a review of the original decision.
This provides a full second opportunity to present your case, but proper legal preparation is essential at both stages.
YOUR COMPLAINT
We identify every applicable head of claim and ensure your complaint is submitted correctly and within the six-month time limit.
THE HEARING
Full preparation and representation before the Adjudication Officer, including witness evidence and legal submissions.
APPEAL & ENFORCEMENT
If the decision goes against you, we handle the Labour Court appeal. If the other side doesn't comply, we enforce through the District Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assess Your Claim
- Multiple heads of claim may apply to a single workplace dispute
- Claims can cover unfair dismissal, equality, payment of wages, working time, and more
- Early legal advice ensures no entitlements are missed
Attend the Hearing
- Adjudication Officers hear both parties and review all evidence
- Internal procedures should be exhausted before the hearing
- Claims made in bad faith or without reasonable prospect of success may be dismissed
Enforce or Appeal
- 42 days to appeal an Adjudication Officer’s decision to the Labour Court
- Labour Court hears the case de novo, fresh hearing from the start
- Non-compliance with a final decision can be enforced via the District Court
Gather More Information
Do You Have a Case?
90% of our clients' claims succeed. Get a straight answer on where you stand.
Get In TouchTime limits apply to most employment claims.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials
Farrukh Ansari
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Straight answers, in three steps
Most people have never needed a solicitor before. Here is exactly what happens when you contact us.
Tell Us What Happened
Send the form or call us. We listen, ask the right questions, and give you a straight answer on whether you have a case worth pursuing.
Agree The Plan Of Action
We set out exactly how your case will run and what to expect at each stage, all agreed in writing before anything begins. WRC claims usually must be lodged within six months, so we move quickly.
We Pursue Your Claim
Negotiation first, then the WRC, Labour Court or civil courts if needed. Most of our clients settle without ever facing a hearing.