First published on Friday, March 20, 2026
Last updated on Friday, March 20, 2026
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we take a look at the most pressing HR and employment law stories. With over a decade of experience as a solicitor working in employment law, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and legal.
Employee benefit expectations are changing
In a recent survey, one in three employees ranked hybrid working as among their most important benefits, only below pensions, bonuses, and health insurance. And 38% believe their benefits package is below market standards. This points towards a lack of balance between employer and employee opinions about the benefits experience.
According to a Gallup survey, 30% of employees who voluntarily left a business said they’d have stayed if their manager or organization had provided additional benefits. I’d suggest looking at your benefits package, from the perspective of your employees. For remote and hybrid employees, benefits like free parking may be less appealing than online perks and offers. Make your employees feel like valued individuals with a perks platform that includes local offers and discounts on global brands.
Deaf man awarded over three times statutory limit after discrimination
The man succeeded in a disability discrimination complaint after he was denied a job interview for not having an academic qualification in Irish Sign Language (ISL). After a tribunal found the man was subject to indirect discrimination, it set aside the €13,000 cap, instead awarding him €40,000 on the basis that the EU Equality Directive requires sanctions to be “effective, proportionate and dissuasive.”
This ‘landmark move’ to more than treble the maximum compensation limit in Irish legislation shows how seriously the WRC takes discrimination. The Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 is under pre-legislative scrutiny, and opens up the possibility of a review of equality legislation. This means you should check your recruitment policies are up to date and train your hiring managers to avoid discrimination. Looking for specific advice? BrightHR clients can call our round-the-clock helpline, for expert advice without costly legal fees.
Minimum salaries rose on 1st March
The first changes under Minimum Annual Remuneration came in earlier this month. Minimum salaries rose for General Employment Permits, Critical Skills Employment Permits, meat processors, horticultural workers, healthcare assistants, and home carers, with lower thresholds for recent graduates.
And there are more changes to come. Salary thresholds across all employment types will be increased by 2030. This gradual approach is expected to balance workers’ rights with business sustainability. Read the BrightHR blog for actions to make sure you stay compliant.
And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!
