First published on Thursday, May 15, 2025
Last updated on Thursday, May 15, 2025
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we take a look at the week’s 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.
Union highlights concerns over games industry conditions
A survey conducted by the Game Workers United Ireland (GWUI) union has highlighted serious concerns about pay, job security, and culture in the games industry.
A significant number of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their wages. Uncertainty regarding employment was also common due to the prevalence of contract work and short term positions. Reports of excessive overtime and unpaid labour were also echoed by much of the respondents.
I understand the challenges that come with the games industry. That being said, if you continue to fall short on things like job security and pay; and waive away concerns about unpaid overtime and labour, you’re going to see high turnover, rock-bottom productivity, and declining company reputation online. This will hurt your bottom line far more than fair wages.
The more common this becomes, the more developers will either leave the industry altogether or even set up their own studios. After all, games like Balatro and Stardew Valley remind us that you don’t need a giant studio to produce a huge hit. And you’ll be kicking yourself if you lose that vital talent to the competition when it’s gone.
Worker who bullied homosexual colleague awarded €3k after ‘procedural failure’
In a terribly shocking case, a hotel night manager, Mr Osman, who was sacked for bullying a gay colleague has gone on to win €3,000 for unfair dismissal. Why? Because his employer missed an email from him in which he requested an appeal.
The tribunal had found that, after a thorough review of evidence, the company was ‘reasonable’ in its dismissal of Mr Osman. However, due to not honouring his right to appeal, the dismissal was ruled unfair due to this ‘procedural failure’, resulting in damages paid.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to dot your I’s and cross your T’s when following disciplinary procedures. Pay meticulous attention to detail, document everything, and keep all of it secure and online for access as and when you need it. Small mistakes like this can cost your business dearly, even if you were originally justified in your actions.
A remote work case mishandled
In a landmark case, Salesforce became the first employer ordered to pay compensation under Ireland’s Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, and all down to a missed deadline.
After being allowed to move west under a remote arrangement, recruiter Thomas Farrell was suddenly told he’d need to be in the Dublin office three to four days a week. He filed a formal request to continue remote working, citing a 550km commute and his strong performance. But Salesforce missed the legal four-week response window—by just over a week—and the WRC ordered them to cough up €1,000 for the breach.
Employers: deadlines matter. If you’re fielding flexible or remote work requests, make sure your process is watertight and your managers are trained on their legal obligations. Having a system in place to track requests and flag deadlines can save you from compliance slip ups, and potential dressing downs at an employment tribunal.
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!
