Unfair Dismissals Acts
aka UDA, Unfair Dismissals Act 1977
Irish statutes setting out when a dismissal is presumed unfair, the fair procedures employers must follow, and the WRC remedies of reinstatement, re-engagement or compensation up to two years' pay.
Last reviewed May 2026
Definition
The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2015 protect most employees with at least twelve months of continuous service from unfair dismissal. Dismissal is presumed unfair unless the employer can show it resulted wholly or mainly from one of the substantial grounds set out in the Acts: capability, competence or qualifications, conduct, redundancy, that continued employment would contravene another statute, or other substantial grounds justifying the dismissal. Even where a substantial ground exists, the dismissal can still be found unfair if the employer failed to apply fair procedures consistent with the WRC Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures (S.I. 146/2000): clear allegations in writing, the right to representation, a fair hearing before an impartial decision-maker, and a right of appeal. Some dismissals are automatically unfair regardless of service, including dismissal for trade union activity, pregnancy, taking statutory leave, making a protected disclosure, or asserting a statutory employment right. Complaints lodge with the WRC within six months (extendable to twelve in limited cases). Remedies are reinstatement, re-engagement, or compensation up to two years of gross remuneration; financial loss must be proven and mitigation expected.
Why it matters for software choice
Most dismissal claims are won by employees on procedure, not substance. HR software that runs a templated grievance and disciplinary workflow (allegation letter, invite to hearing, notes, decision letter, appeal) with timestamps and attachments produces the paper trail that wins cases. Spreadsheets or scattered email threads almost always lose at the WRC.
Authority sources
- Citizens Information: Unfair dismissal (www.citizensinformation.ie)
- Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 (www.irishstatutebook.ie)
- WRC Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures (www.workplacerelations.ie)
Software categories this affects
Vendors covered by this term
HRLocker
Irish-built HR software for the full employee lifecycle
BambooHR
Intuitive HR platform for Irish SMEs who need hiring, onboarding, and people management
HiBob
Modern HR platform designed for mid-size companies with strong culture and engagement tools
Personio
EU-first HR platform with GDPR-compliant data centres and payroll provider integrations
Employment Hero
All-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform expanding across Europe
Sage HR
Lightweight HR platform from Sage, formerly CakeHR, with leave and performance management
Related terms
Workplace Relations Commission
Ireland's statutory body that resolves employment disputes, inspects workplaces and adjudicates complaints under most employment, equality and industrial relations legislation.
Protected Disclosures Act
Irish whistleblower protection regime. Employers with 50 or more workers must operate a formal internal reporting channel. Workers who report wrongdoing are protected from penalisation.
Terms of Employment (Information) Act
Irish statute requiring employers to provide a written statement of core employment terms within five days of starting, and a fuller written statement within one month.