First published on Thursday, January 8, 2026
Last updated on Thursday, January 8, 2026
Welcome to the first edition of HR Heartbeat for 2026, where I take a look at the week’s biggest 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.
We’re storming into 2026
Stormy weather has hit Ireland ready for the rush back to work this week. Storm Goretti is bringing travel chaos across Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford meaning more last-minute absences, and lateness. Are you prepared to deal with this in your business?
This kind of weather can make managing a small business difficult, and unplanned absences will only make this worse. That’s why it’s important to set out what responsibilities both you and your employees have when bad weather hits.
A severe weather policy is exactly the kind of thing you need to share with staff so it’s clear what they should do in the event of severe weather, and what options they have. Get started with a free severe weather policy template created by experts and verified by our employment law experts.
Sharp rise in work-related deaths in 2025
The Health and Safety Authority’s reporting of 2025 data shows work-related deaths rose drastically from 2024’s record low of 36 to 58 in 2025. This is deeply concerning news. It serves as a reminder that employers and workers alike need to stay vigilant.
You have a legal obligation to ensure that your employees are not endangered while at work. These incidents often involve machinery, vehicles or working at heights. The data shows us that workplaces need to better prepare for these hazards. Risk assessments, forward planning and staff training all go a long way.
Getting onboard with an end-to-end health & safety management system, protects employers and employees with real-time reporting and CPD-accredited training. It includes risk assessments, health & safety documents, and a responsibilities navigator that lets you delegate and manage tasks, so you can build a safer workplace.
Recruiters expect vacancy levels to rise in 2026
Despite Ireland’s unemployment rate staying at 5% in December, recruiters are positive about the new year. Almost half expect vacancies to rise over the next three months. Is it that ‘new year, new job’ trend we tend to see year on year?
Candidate management doesn’t have to be a hassle: you can easily create job roles and onboard new employees with the right tools in your HR arsenal, like our Turbo Talent Navigator. That way, when your new hires start, they’ll already be uploaded to the system, so you can immediately start adding them to your rotas, clocking in for work and adding holidays.
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!
