Module Details

Module Code: LEGS8012
Title: Employment Law and Practice
Long Title: Employment Law and Practice
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide learners with an advanced and legally sound understanding of key components and latest developments in the regulatory framework that human resource professionals now operate within. The module will begin by considering the sources of employment law. It will then focus on key legal principles of employment law and their application to a range of substantive legal issues involved in managing the employment relationship, both individually and collectively. These legal principles and issues will be considered through a sustainability lens. Emphasis will be placed on the promotion of a fair and inclusive workplace.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the sources and purposes of employment regulation and the way it is applied in practice.
LO2 Analyse and critically appraise important legal principles that underpin the employment relationship by reference to relevant case law and legislation.
LO3 Demonstrate the ability to manage issues relating to grievance, performance and disciplinary matters lawfully and fairly.
LO4 Apply legal principles and best practice requirements to ensure compliance with employment law and promotion of sustainable employment practices.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Sources and Institutions of Irish Employment Law
Evaluation of key tenets of employment law and regulation in Ireland. Sources of employment law in Ireland, including European Union (EU) and international legal developments. Application and enforcement by institutions including the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and Labour Court (LC).
The Employment Relationship and Employment Law in Context
Employment status and the Contract of Employment. Core statutory rights and entitlements including Organisation of Working Time, Protective Leave, Health and Safety, Protected Disclosures. Privacy and Data Protection.
Employment Equality and Dignity at Work
Legal Framework dealing with Discrimination and Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying at Work. Equal Pay. Employers’ Duties and Best Practice Requirements to ensure promotion of equality in the workplace. Supportive policies, procedures and practices. Liability and Defences.
Termination of Employment
Fair procedures and principles of natural justice required for grievance and discipline management. Termination of Employment. Unfair and constructive dismissal. Redundancy.
Collective Employment Law Issues
Collective agreements and collective redundancies.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Individual problem-solving assignment/case-study assignment (2,000 words).
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Assessment of the key principles of the indicative content and guided by the four learning outcomes.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of content and material underpinning learning outcomes, including relevant case studies. Incorporation of active teaching and learning strategies to include discussion, team-based learning and problem-solving. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students should supplement lecture content with independent study and reading. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of content and material underpinning learning outcomes, including relevant case studies. Incorporation of active teaching and learning strategies to include discussion, team-based learning and problem-solving Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Students should supplement lecture content with independent study and reading Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Frances Meenan. (2023), Employment Law, 2nd. Round Hall, [ISBN: 9780414061743].
  • Ailbhe Murphy and Maeve Regan. (2017), Employment Law, 2nd. Bloomsbury, [ISBN: 9781858005911].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Marguerite Bolger, Claire Bruton and Cliona Kimber. (2022), Employment Equality Law, 2nd. Round Hall, [ISBN: 9780414098510].
  • Donovan Dorothy. (2022), Employment Law, 3rd. Nutshells, [ISBN: 9780414102514].
  • Faulkner Mary. (2018), Essentials of Irish Labour Law, 3rd. Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781905536955].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BHRMN_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management 8 Elective