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sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crime-law"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/courts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Courts</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Property</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_property" aria-label="Show Property sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_property"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/residential" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Residential</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/interiors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Interiors</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Food</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_food" aria-label="Show Food sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_food"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/drink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Drink</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/recipes" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Recipes</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/restaurants" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/health" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Health</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_health" aria-label="Show Health sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_health"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-family" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Family</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Fitness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-wellness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Wellness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness/get-running" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Get Running</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Life & Style</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_life-style" aria-label="Show Life & Style sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_life-style"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fashion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fashion</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/beauty/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Beauty</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fine-art-antiques" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fine Art & Antiques</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/gardening" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gardening</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/travel" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Travel</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/culture" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Culture</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_culture" aria-label="Show Culture sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_culture"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/art" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Art</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/books" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Books</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Film</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/music" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Music</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/stage" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stage</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/tv-radio" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">TV & Radio</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/environment" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Environment</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_environment" aria-label="Show Environment sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_environment"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/environment/climate-crisis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Climate Crisis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/technology" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Technology</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_technology" aria-label="Show Technology sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_technology"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/big-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Big Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/consumer-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Consumer Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/data-security" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Data & Security</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/gaming" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaming</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/science" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Science</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_science" aria-label="Show Science sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_science"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/science/space" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Space</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/media" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Media</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/abroad" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Abroad</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/obituaries" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Obituaries</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/transport" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Transport</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/motors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Motors</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_motors" aria-label="Show Motors sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_motors"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/motors/car-reviews/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Car Reviews</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/listen/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Listen</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Podcasts</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_podcasts" aria-label="Show Podcasts sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_podcasts"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/in-the-news" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">In the News Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/inside-politics" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Inside Politics Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/the-womens-podcast" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">The Women's Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/inside-business" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Inside Business Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/ross-ocarroll-kelly" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Ross O'Carroll-Kelly</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/the-counter-ruck" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">The Counter Ruck Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/conversations-with-parents" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Conversations with Parents Podcast</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/video" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Video</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/photography" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Photography</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack 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Ireland was not one of the countries examined for this element of the OECD report.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B65ALLAZ3ZHXVARATNAQMBDFMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856286},"content":"“Investing in equities leads to better retirement outcomes,” the report says, although it acknowledges that it can involve more volatile outcomes. Investing in stock markets works better over long periods, it notes, but is less suitable for workers in the years close to retirement as it can expose them to too much risk of a market downturn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MA63SSD2EZEZXDZTT5FO6QVEJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856287},"content":"However, the report makes clear that default investment strategies that rely heavily on government bonds are too conservative because of the low, albeit safer, returns on offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTR3VYGX4VAIHJIWKGUDT576BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856288},"content":"The report observes that people who invest their retirement savings in the default option, which is the majority, tend to stay in that default even though it may not match their level of risk tolerance or the best option for the stage of their working life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELGCKUT2RBDGTIDUBNT67T2RLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856289},"content":"It also argues that people should consider staying invested in equities even while they are drawing down their pension under schemes like Ireland Approved Retirement Fund model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGKLWJUOBNG2PFDF77I7M3M2BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856290},"content":"Using economic modelling, it found that when investment in equities accounted for less than 20 per cent of the fund as it was being tapped in retirement, people would be better-off opting for a lifelong annuity in at least 75 per cent of cases. “By contrast, there is a 60 per cent probability of getting higher replacement rates when staying invested fully in equities during the payout phase and taking regular drawdowns instead of buying a lifelong annuity at retirement,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIBSD2PTUZDQ3L2CR2RZNVVYTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856291},"content":"“Therefore, if individuals value flexibility and take regular drawdowns, large investments in equities would increase expected benefits. However, this comes at the cost of higher volatility of benefits and the risk of outliving one’s resources.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOVCUJJKYRFKZFSF4CG32UVRYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856292},"content":"The report also looks at equity release schemes that are marketed to older people, allowing them to release some or all of the equity in their homes to enhance their liquid assets or income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBAVKVIMAVEKNNKB66YPROE3VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856293},"content":"While such schemes can be useful to older people, it says, it calls for appropriate regulation to ensure that people know what they are agreeing to and that it is the right strategy for their circumstances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Dominic Coyle"}},"name":"Dominic Coyle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Report says investing in equities improves returns even after retirement but it does come with greater risk"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T17:20:22.317Z","headlines":{"basic":"OECD warns against too conservative pension investment strategies ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY","auth":{"1":"8014cecd659545681bb74de5f974f921dc829072b2c80eaca3210ca6e8b11f12"},"focal_point":{"x":1767,"y":1348},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/12/02/oecd-warns-against-too-conservative-pension-investment-strategies/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"E5K52TXRP5AAJCD3SCCP2CDHKE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":264,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-h0e8gjgjaqe0egb7.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8a031ccd-67a4-4b41-bfec-2acfa33ad0a6/versions/1733047801/media/2cbc21f63e3aa548993a8dc17ce965fd_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/12/02/the-battle-around-around-and-other-awful-woolly-words/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UJK4Y52YT5C4FOZDK3TETU4R4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661110},"content":"One of the many things I like about Today, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bbc/\" target=\"_blank\">BBC</a>’s venerable morning radio news programme, is its tradition of having the likes of Prince Harry, Angelina Jolie and Stephen Hawking guest edit over Christmas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPZJBUNUUVFQTFB6DL2Q4CIYYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661111},"content":"I was listening to the show last Monday when presenter Amol Rajan started talking about this year’s line-up. It included Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny and former chancellor Sajid Javid.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7BOR365ZVGFTJBBJFFNKB3HFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661112},"content":"But I could barely concentrate on the rest of the names because I was so busy fuming over a word Rajan had used to introduce them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGGTDE4JSFHEPONAZOQDH6BDOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661113},"content":"“Every year”, he said, “the Today programme invites a series of guest editors to make an episode of Today with us around things that they are most interested in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2CWABRND5CDHPAPOAYNGCIG6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661114},"content":"There it was. “Around”. A word that has somehow come to be used in a way that turns a crisp, forthright phrase into something evasive and slippery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3TALTUOP5BBPO3LPYXTTLRYRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661115},"content":"If I had heard a guest editor such as Kenny was going to make an episode “about” or “on” the impact elite sport has on women’s bodies, I would know precisely what she was planning. But the news she was going to do something “around” that topic suggests she could drift off into non-elite sport, or men’s bodies, or countless other things.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBFC7ULUV5F3ZCOAST6NCMZFQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661116},"content":"It is no accident that some of the biggest perpetrators of the misuse of “around” are those specialists in ambiguous non-statements, politicians.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7A36Y4MKXRFK5AI6DANE6FVZOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661117},"content":"Two days after the Christmas guest editor incident, Today aired an interview with the former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith about the need for new rules to manage disruptive pupils.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73T5OC3ZYVFQVMD32I5YX3E4VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661118},"content":"“The range of change has to be pretty profound now – clear rules around what cannot happen,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T657R7QMEZCHZOISIFNP6DY34Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661119},"content":"I realise there are more important things to worry about and I do not mean to sound like the pedantic prig I clearly am. But the meaning of words matters, especially in a polarised world swamped with misinformation. Any language that obscures truth instead of revealing it is dubious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INRFAX6LKFBVNELFXHLNZOTQXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661120},"content":"This is why I also object to the way “piece” has wormed its way into places it has no business being in. Anyone who says they are working on the “defence piece” or the “climate piece” is telling you almost nothing. If they say they have just joined a counterterrorism think tank, or a carbon-trading firm, you would know where you were. Likewise, there is no excuse for using a woolly word such as “space”, as in “the defence space”, when perfectly good words such as “industry” or “sector” can do the job.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLZ647NAAJCMVMPDIGAG4IYYVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661121},"content":"If you are under 40 and reading this, thinking, ‘What’s this sad old loser babbling on about?’, it is worth knowing how intensely words like this can irk the old losers who may soon be deciding whether to promote or hire you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIY6OP2PCRCS5C4JR4Q2GTR7TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661122},"content":"In the spirit of public service, I therefore urge you to think twice before talking around the work piece in any job space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHIL3FKBUBAD5HWTAC6LP5VMTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661123},"content":"Also, beware of “reaching out” to anyone when you are actually just contacting them. It’s lazy and time-wasting. Better to spend an extra 10 seconds explaining that you want to follow up on something, or arrange a meeting, or whatever it is you are actually doing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFRVD7YDJ5G3VAQSMBQGBMGRLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661124},"content":"The same goes for “sharing” information that you are just “passing on”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZN4BNLHHVG3VHRJBBFPAG3FNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661125},"content":"“Curate” is another word that has come to be used in tediously confusing ways to suggest something is far more important than it is, because it has been specially selected. It can usually be deleted. “A curated collection of exceptional reads” is almost always the same as “a collection of exceptional reads”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVRFVKOH3RCMDJSF4QA4WADP4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661126},"content":"I know this fight is hopeless. The reaching-out sharing curators of the language piece have well and truly won. As for the battle around “around”, forget it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YG5RDND5XNFN3LKMDM6RZ64BHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661127},"content":"I realised this after sifting through the contents of my inbox one afternoon last week. In the space of 90 minutes, the Hay literary festival told me about a book that raised “new questions around what it means to be human” and a PR person wittered on about the “government’s recent announcement around increased boiler upgrade funding”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRF3UCR5FBHE7A6KHPWBIEVSD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661128},"content":"A blogger said Thanksgiving was “a day that we’re supposed to centre around gratitude” and the estimable Chatham House think tank said, “North Korea’s rapprochement with Russia raises questions around the role of China.” Resistance, very obviously, is futile. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"The fuzzy meaning space is becoming depressingly overcrowded"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The battle around ‘around’ and other awful woolly words","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"I6SDN4AOUJBUZOAJSD6QL3GZ7Y","auth":{"1":"77e15eac1247437f09ce8137efd3fa54353951fb5a489e521ea35db245d1b4d6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/I6SDN4AOUJBUZOAJSD6QL3GZ7Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/12/02/the-battle-around-around-and-other-awful-woolly-words/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"FOBMY5HREVFD7IJT2ADJHVAWSQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":313,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/dd62b9f0-4bd8-44e7-8066-3b78f6802b2c/versions/1732707928/media/44e025b5406467a41bbdcf71a778698a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/12/01/trades-are-very-well-paid-here-compared-to-anywhere-else-in-the-world-i-have-been/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AY2JZQA3VRFLBFIGABNSE5BSGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334067},"content":"Growing up in Cork as a teenager in the 1990s, where he sometimes helped his uncle on construction jobs, Chris Kidney developed a lifelong love of carpentry. A qualified carpenter he met along the way took him under his wing and encouraged him as he undertook a qualification with Fás (the State training agency now known as Solas) as a carpenter and joiner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJQZZU26RFAIPI2NWJKXRCKQCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334068},"content":"Kidney also had a hankering for travel, and his two passions combined well as he got to experience life in both Canada and Sydney in his 20s, before making a permanent move to Melbourne with his partner, Niharika, in 2012.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOOC55OPLFE2LN5JWCYTHVK3CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334069},"content":"“We applied under the Skilled Migrant Visa Scheme and got accepted within three months. Carpentry is a good trade to facilitate international travel, and my partner is an occupational therapist, which is a recognised skill too, so we were well placed,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDP3KRDR5JHQHAICOPWJLTYUL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334070},"content":"Kidney found work relatively easily and built up his experience and contacts with a hotel refurbishment company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWAV2NTOJNG7NAHRQNBLLULHIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334071},"content":"“Trades are very well paid here compared to anywhere else in the world that I have been. A good carpenter could expect to make Aus $120,000-$150,000 (€74,000-€92,500) a year in a waged position, depending on the job and the overtime they can get.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O27QEEVWJFEILB2FFKXO6SOYWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334072},"content":"“I spent my first 18 months here making contacts and it exposed me to an audience of customers that you just couldn’t reach as an individual. By late 2013, I decided I wanted to do my own thing, so I got my own van and tools and then opened up my own workshop.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUP4IGOEG5CLZIBOCK5ZF46TK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"ESUFZFLUSVHDFJEGEXFK57VPUY"},"content":"An Irish businessman in Singapore: ‘You’ll get a year in jail if you are in a drunken brawl, so people don’t step out of line’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RAIZATUSFFAYNIO3NIVMTZ53BM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334073},"content":"Kidney now works as a bespoke carpenter, generally on high-end projects for homeowners and developers. Typically, that might involve a customised staircase, a set of sash windows or cabinetry and furniture for a luxury home, but Kidney says he will turn his hand to almost any bespoke carpentry project and enjoys the interaction with customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K5AEOUWM3JDTFP5REN3CURKC3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334074},"content":"“It’s a more personal service. I enjoy meeting the customers and getting a feel for who they are and what they are looking for. Then I put my own spin on it and give them some options to choose from. You get to be a bit more creative and it’s a challenge. No two houses and no two jobs are the same.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCQT4ZJBQRFFLNGTXPEFLRPQHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334075},"content":"Working from his home base in Woodend, just north of Melbourne, Kidney employs a trusted group of freelance tradespeople he has got to know in his time here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOWT4F4PYJA5PFVBAUMKN6YHSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334076},"content":"Business has grown steadily over the years as Australia’s housing market has boomed, but with a cooling off lately, he senses that consumers have become more cautious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VALTIIJ2YFCFHIUQLV6KKGLHSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334077},"content":"While he enjoys a good standard of living and the couple have been able to buy their own home, good salaries don’t go as far there as people might think, he cautions. “Taxes are creeping up here. It’s not a cheap place to live. The wages are high, but the cost of living is also high. Second-hand cars also would also be a lot more expensive than they are in Ireland.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VJINHKL4BBEVMDIV3XDNRXB3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334078},"content":"Kidney credits his partner as a rock of support as he has developed his business. “A good partner is a massive help when you are growing your own business. You are going to get bumps and knocks along the way. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without her.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"G4VRL4FQPBHLVFVXAJDWUF3BLA","additional_properties":{"_id":"NNCNMACQUJA3PI7Z4ZZ5Z5CDTE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QPWH5ALEGJELVJK5E62D4RALAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334079},"content":"He has also developed a good circle of friends in the 12 years he has been in Melbourne, many of them also from Ireland. “Naturally you gravitate to your own people. I have a lot of good Irish friends. The rep for the company that I get materials from and the guy that services my machines are Irish. You meet people and you get introduced. There’s a massive Irish community here.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7WIQ7QWPZVAGJKJ37I44X7U27I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334080},"content":"Having lived and worked in two big Australian cities, Kidney has become familiar with local culture and the personality of natives in his adopted home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GSUIPTHLQZH35CYHUSHRR74USA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334081},"content":"“Australians are a bit tougher and straight-talking and you could see that as them being abrupt, and you can take that up wrongly until you get to know them better. They are certainly direct, and you know where you stand with them. They enjoy a bit of craic too, and I have some great Aussie friends.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UVGWQ6ZM5E2DO2W3M7VTG5M64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334082},"content":"Given the climate, Kidney enjoys an outdoor lifestyle involving forest and mountain trails as well as local beaches and barbecues, along with a vibrant cafe and nightlife culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFDG6HAEG5APRBQZBPTCEUCE4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334083},"content":"There is also a vibrant sports and music culture around the city. “You’ve got rugby, soccer and Australian Rules football among other things. There’s also a strong music scene between local artists and international visiting ones. We get Irish acts coming over. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/damien-dempsey/\" target=\"_blank\">Damien Dempsey</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/glen-hansard/\" target=\"_blank\">Glen Hansard</a>, for example, have played here.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UK53EEESPBBOXDJIXX7F26G2YU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334084},"content":"Kidney maintains his love of Ireland, proclaiming he is a “proud Cork man” and he enjoys his visits back to his native city, but he can’t see himself returning anything soon. “Ireland is a very special place, but for now, Australia is home.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Wild Geese: Chris Kidney is a carpenter in Melbourne, Australia"},"display_date":"2024-12-01T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Trades are very well paid here compared to anywhere else in the world I have been’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QHGBK4VE7BAGNPCX6IRE4OGEG4","auth":{"1":"40f2c0a63cb1462bb11b059ba806a0fc0c32e55a970d7f2ca6930c08273c8c18"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QHGBK4VE7BAGNPCX6IRE4OGEG4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/12/01/trades-are-very-well-paid-here-compared-to-anywhere-else-in-the-world-i-have-been/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"O6IDQ7PJ4BGZPKHYHAYKBGWDOY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":222,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/b7596196-8013-4803-94d2-94570ecc0c94/versions/1732887120/media/da52878cb959f101fbfd7fa4d71edfd2_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/builder-dismissed-after-covert-tracker-discovers-personal-use-of-work-van/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5MEATUQ54VEZLIJRWKNBKXHJZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708845},"content":"A tribunal has made a reduced award of €10,000 for unfair dismissal to a builder whose work van racked up over 1,000 miles in “unexplained” driving after his boss discovered a vehicle tracker on the dashboard was being disconnected – and had a second one covertly installed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVWBDGSZPBDZHF2MPLZJ3BH7VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708846},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has upheld a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against specialist construction firm Protum Services by Barry Naughton – but cut the award by half to take account of his “very significant contribution” to his own sacking by “interfering” with the first tracker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GTHYTJYWN5GDBOSHAOFO4MVJLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708847},"content":"The company’s position was that trackers were installed at the start of 2022 for insurance reasons and that all its staff were informed at the time. Its solicitor submitted that there were “unusual occurrences” with Mr Naughton’s van starting in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZR2K3TUHNAUPADNRPQ3MNPYGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708848},"content":"Mr Naughton’s employer found the tracking device “disconnected and sitting loose” on one occasion, the tribunal was told. When the firm was looking into one customer complaint, the tracker supplier reported back that the complainant’s device was not powered up properly and “regularly offline”, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IFHZJNZNBNFULFZUIZ7YK5RPTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708849},"content":"After that, the employer “decided to covertly hardwire a device in the complainant’s van in addition to the dashboard tracker”, the firm’s solicitor submitted. Between the installation of the device on an unspecified date and the beginning of November 2023, “considerable unrecorded and unexplained mileage” had built up, with “in excess of 1,000 miles” in the difference between the two tracking devices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDOMCQCXNBGDN2BGSUONUVKU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708850},"content":"Mr Naughton was called to a disciplinary meeting in December 2023 accused of using the company van for personal travel and of interfering with the dashboard tracking device the firm had fitted. He was sacked on a finding of gross misconduct following a second meeting a few days later, the WRC was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7LSELLLJVFEXE2FRQC5PA5JIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708851},"content":"In the course of the meetings, Mr Naughton denied unplugging the tracker and said the personal use of company vans was “commonplace” in the firm, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6MU2OGM5RESLOI6RVTORL7GWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708852},"content":"The company’s position was that the mileage issue by itself warranted a final written warning, but that unplugging the tracker was a “major breach of trust” and that the only option was immediate dismissal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNGLS5EI45GMHBUNWDLKKJIG3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708853},"content":"Mr Naughton claimed he was sacked to “make room for a more favoured colleague of the owner”, claiming that the company had cash flow problems and there was a need to make “economies”. He called the issue over the company van “a complete fabrication to cover this”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INLBHMHVH5A2PKPYLBZWG447CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708854},"content":"He said it was “custom and practice” in the firm to make personal use of company vans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QW3OJ5OHZGYXBJYPJGLT7KFYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708855},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JY4SDO375FXBEUEUSM76DOPGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708856},"content":"He added he had often used his own personal vehicle on company jobs to “facilitate” his employer when a van was unavailable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDUVSNUEOFFQLGOQAGELZGOK4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708857},"content":"He said there were no “proper HR procedures” and no appeal offered to an independent person.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYB7PTJ6UZHPTG5HROPTGKLTV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708858},"content":"Adjudicator Michael McEntee, in his decision, said there was “no doubt that the [dashboard] tracking device had been regularly disconnected” given the anomaly between that tracker and the secret one placed in the van.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKXHU7TWQNEPHDTOFE7W6EJHHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708859},"content":"He said the employer had launched “quite a major investigation, including installing the hidden tracker”, and that the failure to tell the complainant he was under investigation was “troubling”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKAC3AAO3ZGPPN5RISOH6DD2CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708860},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"72S4Y7LATFDLPAZERAXO7BY3NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708861},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6FLROOKNFABPDFCXDIUNIHHN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708862},"content":"He found that there had been a lack of natural justice in the moves to dismiss Mr Naughton and ruled the dismissal unfair – but said the worker had made a very considerable contribution by interfering with the device.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EK24JXVE6JBNPFXIOCUBIBA7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708863},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNOLNBYBOZHXPL5INAVKIBX4PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708864},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"AETRSCLEQJANJCWOY3XKROTJLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708865},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"WRC award halved to take account of ‘very significant contribution’ by complainant to his own sacking"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T12:59:59.815Z","headlines":{"basic":"Builder dismissed after covert tracker discovers personal use of work van","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KYSZGJY6QFDHRJ63RAAHGC2ZZA","auth":{"1":"ecc6fee3d14a2d102449f2761218382e8503649293a765ea8e4099e76b8dd60a"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KYSZGJY6QFDHRJ63RAAHGC2ZZA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/builder-dismissed-after-covert-tracker-discovers-personal-use-of-work-van/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"2EPMKFF23ZD6TIAFXUPFVHIK3I","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/is-there-such-a-thing-as-too-much-parental-leave/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZACQPRVTIFHGPB2K5CLYFE2BGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104577},"content":"Decades ago, I might have been sacked for being pregnant, or seen my pay crash to zero after giving birth. These days (mostly through the FT) I get job protection, a generous chunk of maternity leave at full pay and even a coach to ease my return to work. In general I am in favour of policies to support those of us who nobly breed future taxpayers. But is it possible to go too far?","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYU5JRD5JNES5LLHZHIVABRLNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104578},"content":"At first, the point of parental leave was to protect the health of mother and baby. Childbirth warrants some recovery time, and though communication isn’t my toddler’s strong suit, I think he appreciated the home rest too. More recently, expanded benefits for parents have been seen as a way to promote gender equality or even boost the birth rate. By pulling men on to more nappy duty, paternity leave could even out the load of child rearing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VFCQ6JYJJETNFPGKZVNTKYN5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104579},"content":"Sadly, the unintended consequences are easy to imagine. Extended maternity leave could detach mothers from paid work. Generous benefits could make managers hesitant about hiring potential parents. Exposing more fathers to the realities of full-time childcare could even turn some of them off the pursuit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44T35WDXJRAUZF7AMLY7AWBOXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104580},"content":"Helpfully, governments have provided economists with plenty of reforms to evaluate. And at least some parental leave has lots of nice effects, from health benefits for mother and child to greater involvement of fathers in family life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B4J2B4MPVGIVGW3KIOBR4N4JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104581},"content":"But at least when it comes to maternity leave, the economic benefits do seem to have a limit. One review found that although leave of up to around six months improves mothers’ chances of returning to paid work, more than about a year has the opposite effect. When in the 1980s and 1990s the French and German governments expanded it beyond that point, paid employment and wages for mothers suffered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KZFKBSM5FDW7JORY2BXSU2OBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104582},"content":"There is also some awkward evidence of benefits at least partly backfiring. One working paper by Jenna Stearns of the University of California, Davis found that in Britain expanding the period of job protection to a year lowered the chances of being promoted or holding a managerial role. Another found that in Germany more generous maternity benefits meant small companies hired fewer women of childbearing age into roles that were tricky to cover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YFKWKAUCYZABZITFWAFQ2GFVLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104583},"content":"Paternity leave is no more straightforward. A new working paper finds, for example, that men taking long stints are penalised when applying for jobs in male-dominated sectors. Another study found that in Norway, making paternity leave more generous lowered men’s earnings by 1-3 per cent. They argued that this was because of a “rat race”, whereby one father taking time out opened up space for colleagues to get ahead. (The authors’ fix is for <i>all</i> fathers to use their allotted leave.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDQY36KOJ5HQPDBNQEBBHKKXPY","additional_properties":{"_id":"KMP5CQLZQ5GJFF3HK4FAHSOHAA"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-36818","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"C6NONAC7A5HWFA6SPXSWHWBAS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104584},"content":"Other alarming studies include one examining a Swedish reform that reserved a month of paid parental leave for fathers, which found that it raised the chances of divorce by around one percentage point. Admittedly, a later reform that increased paternity leave without reducing the amount available to mums had no such effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FXKJYLRC5BIZMCXA4JNRFJBIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104585},"content":"The first finding could be because mothers responded by taking more unpaid leave, increasing financial stress on the relationship. (Other research has also found that paternity leave can lower the chances of parents separating.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHQ7FUSHAZHQVBKYNHGV4MWPVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104586},"content":"The effects of expanded paternity leave on fertility are also a little complicated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBJKBCMWOBH4ZPUDFLVV6OAPAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104587},"content":"A study of a Spanish reform found that just two weeks of paternity leave increased the time between having children, while in Belgium researchers found a similar effect among younger mothers. The authors of the Spanish study reckon there are two mechanisms at play: men waking up to the realities of caring for a newborn full-time; and women enjoying improved career prospects, pushing back further procreation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFZRSD3HBJCOHDU7JPEFTXMCHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104588},"content":"Of course, the presence of unintended consequences does not justify the very stingy national policies that many Americans and Brits have to rely upon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LRYZV2DIRGUTHNRMB6CNMADGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104589},"content":"America’s federal floor for parental benefits is embarrassingly absent, while in Britain the minimum is 90 per cent of pay for six weeks, then at most £184 per week for 33 more weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOHIGJAK6JA7ZGBCBYLRQXP73E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104590},"content":"My memories of the period after my son was born are hazy, but I think I spent about that much on nappies and wipes alone. As I am now going on maternity leave for a second time, I am looking forward to the opportunity for a refresher – and grateful that the FT’s policy is more generous. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Soumaya Keynes"}]},"description":{"basic":"The economic benefits of maternity leave do appear to have a limit in terms of mothers returning to work and promotion"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T11:58:03.528Z","headlines":{"basic":"Is there such a thing as too much parental leave?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DABXXOICSNDHLIT6EDDEY7UCMA","auth":{"1":"071b9c51a1ddffa50244c7e506474be9756b98ecb4215c56c036aec79b3e0848"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DABXXOICSNDHLIT6EDDEY7UCMA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/is-there-such-a-thing-as-too-much-parental-leave/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"VTME5DCWFNBMZCJXOJA5FUC6WU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/financial-services/2024/11/29/aib-agrees-to-4-pay-hike-next-year-as-three-year-deal-comes-to-an-end/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QKLKOBTOWJFM5MTVSRWTVTIJFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141698},"content":"AIB has agreed to a 4 per cent pay hike for workers next year, with all staff receiving a minimum €2,000 salary increase, as a three-year accord during the worst of the inflation crisis comes to an end.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIEULFVYPZGGNLI7DHHU4N7TGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141699},"content":"The bank said that the accord with the Financial Services Union (FSU) has also seen the union withdraw a claim for restoration of the 35-hour working week, which was increased to 37 hours in the wake of the financial crisis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMGCNRR2ANEGDPA3O7RJPKHJ4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141700},"content":"In exchange for the withdrawal of this claim, staff will receive a one-off tax-free voucher to the value of €1,500 in early 2025 and an extra day of leave to be taken in calendar year 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQGCSVUEOJDUTCQLUDKLAYKPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141701},"content":"The agreement, which must still be voted through by AIB staff, will see the minimum salary for the bank’s employees in the Republic rise by €2,000 to €30,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6O4OKITSTVDGJNR3BKSPNJCF3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875730036},"content":"Billy Barrett, senior industrial relations officer with the FSU, said its members in the bank will vote on the agreement over a two-week period closing on December 16th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7GJSYNR4VCHFAPRUYABWVAEZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875730037},"content":"“The FSU is recommending the agreement as it meets the criteria we set at the start of negotiations for an inflation-busting pay award and a pay award that helps our members with cost-of-living pressures,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGHL4OQIRZF3VEUP5AZHX6MPTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141702},"content":"The bank’s existing three-year pay deal, under which staff received a 10 per cent increase in total, is due to come to an end in March. It was the longest-lasting such agreement struck between an Irish retail bank and trade union officials.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTT4I44P7JGVVAWA2ACWIHKQYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141703},"content":"“We’re pleased to propose a pay agreement which concentrates on the lowest paid in the bank, resolves the last of the legacy productivity issues and further enhances our suite of employee supports to enable AIB and our people to build a more sustainable future for our 3.3 million customers,” said AIB’s chief people officer, David McCormack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG7BPNWBDRDFJHE67ZTEOYN3A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141704},"content":"The deal puts the focus on FSU negotiations with Bank of Ireland and PTSB, which each have one-year agreements in place, having last year given pay increases of 4 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6O4OKITSTVDGJNR3BKSPNJCF3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875730041},"content":"Shares in AIB have jumped 31 per cent so far this year, even though analysts have begun in recent times to lower their 2025 interest income – and earnings – forecasts for the sector as the European Central Bank (ECB) starts cutting official rates at a faster-than-expected pace. The ECB is widely expected to reduce rates next month for a fourth time since early June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBXF4NKP3FEIDAZM6NVECVZ5KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141706},"content":"AIB posted net profits of €1.11 billion for the six months to the end of June, up from €854 million the same time last year, as it continued to benefit from a series of official interest rate hikes between July 2022 and September 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Agreement with Financial Services Union will see increase of €2,000 for lowest paid staff, bringing minimum salary to €30,000"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T10:04:01.281Z","headlines":{"basic":"AIB agrees to 4% pay hike next year as three-year deal comes to an end","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XIRUTTXXTFQKQWVBLDOYH32OLM","auth":{"1":"a244d9908b4a8cf67fcb8a5a27678c2796a627f09b92b90924e8b0f3bc759c1d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XIRUTTXXTFQKQWVBLDOYH32OLM.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/financial-services/2024/11/29/aib-agrees-to-4-pay-hike-next-year-as-three-year-deal-comes-to-an-end/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/financial-services","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Financial Services"}}}},{"_id":"HWWZMVOPDRCNFGY2WYBV6MRREA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":256,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/ff28f074-7ab6-4bf3-95af-e460621eef2b/versions/1732825171/media/594a17fbeb549557a8224a73bcd4190b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/29/cie-group-warns-scale-of-its-pension-contribution-facing-increase-to-unsustainable-levels/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MGUF26RJYVH23JFC4UVKXTQQGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834778},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJR3TWBL45AXBL3P5Q6UQUBUEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834779},"content":"The scale of pension contributions the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cie/\" target=\"_blank\">CIÉ Group</a> will have to make in future will increase significantly to unaffordable levels, based on actuarial projections, the chairman of the State-owned transport group has warned the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GA472EJ47VDN5JXEURFQXUJXB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834780},"content":"Aidan Murphy told Minister for Transport <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eamon-ryan/\" target=\"_blank\">Eamon Ryan</a> that the board wanted to transition over time to a single defined-contribution scheme across the group which includes <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-bus/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Bus</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bus-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\">Bus Éireann</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-rail/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Rail</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCOC3CGEUZD7ZHOZC2P4KPCUOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834781},"content":"The company in recent weeks has commenced talks to trade unions on pension reforms. It told the Minister the existing two pension schemes in the group had a combined deficit of €371 million last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BSNDJLNUBEJVDQRNHXAH4AFXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834782},"content":"The Irish Times understands that an options paper, considered by the board in September, looked at closing the existing schemes to new members. It also suggested that future pay talks be deferred until pension reforms were implemented or that any rises would be non-pensionable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MK3WZINCQZGQVMPVI4IGSTCIN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834783},"content":"The paper was withdrawn subsequently to allow for negotiations with trade unions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZLF33P3BRGIZJJ53F24IU2K44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834784},"content":"CIÉ Group is worried about the impact of rising staff numbers and unchanged benefit arrangements on its future liabilities. The group employs more than 12,500 people including contractors and there are more than 10,000 active members in the schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKZ3LIVZLZHUHOBAIFK5EWVWWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"OVDAPGH5AVHB3JPDTE5PWQEUAQ"},"content":"Crunch time looms for CIÉ pensioners as they voice fears for the future","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6Z4YFHZUURCFDP6EDXJCQ22KQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834785},"content":"The group is also concerned at the implications arising from a recent <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/high-court/\" target=\"_blank\">High Court</a> judgment in relation to the schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BUCXDAQNJBX7ON6K22OXNCD4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834786},"content":"At the same time the company and the Government have been coming under strong pressure from retired personnel who argue they are facing falling living standards as their pensions have been frozen for 15 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2FCZRZ3RBCEBMFLGEVQ7IA6SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834787},"content":"In a letter to trade unions in October the company warned that any change to employer pension costs would “have a significant impact on the CIÉ Group, including on the competitiveness of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in the context of direct contracts to run services awarded by the National Transport Authority or any future route tendering arrangements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KSA4I475REYXHNZLKNAMZKK7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834788},"content":"It said Irish Rail was also “not immune from having future funding difficulties”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4USTTNKVNENRJQCSW27YCM7GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834789},"content":"The CIÉ Group told The Irish Times that the pension liabilities at present at an estimated €2.7 billion were “bigger than the annual turnover of the group of €1.6 billion”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKUO75L56NHQZPLUGYIYDSLABM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834791},"content":"It said the pension liability risk had come into sharper focus as the solvency obligation rule for both CIÉ pension schemes was now more onerous following the recent High Court judgment in the legal proceedings instituted by the committee of one of schemes – known as the 1951 superannuation scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YM4LZ257WRAGZCCUB2IAJ6L7SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834792},"content":"“Within that engagement, both the CIÉ Group and the trade union group are extremely mindful of the frustration of pensioners across both schemes whose pensions have not been increased since 2008. However, pension increases can only be contemplated if those increases can be sustainably funded by the schemes.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXG7E3KKLNF3ZPJOUL3P7JXGA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834793},"content":"The CIÉ Group said in a statement that while a representative body for pensioners had a report which concluded, based on certain assumptions, that the CIÉ superannuation scheme could sustain an increase to pensioners of 2.6 per cent annually for the next 10 years, these findings were contradicted in a paper from the scheme actuary. It said that Aon concluded that the 1951 scheme could not sustain pensioner increases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZOOI46SHNCTNHKIEBJX57IMRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834794},"content":"“Given the contradictory advice, the CIÉ board asked Mercer to independently review both papers and their report was received in May 2024, which concluded that it was “difficult to see how the [CIÉ] board, acting prudently, could consent to the award of discretionary pension increases”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXSDPHAE3BH2RHMYMXQOFICNZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834795},"content":"“Ultimately the board of CIÉ cannot place both schemes in a position where pension increases (which become an immediate ongoing liability of the scheme, and which are largely protected in the event of a scheme wind-up) compromise the funding position of the scheme with respect to its statutory requirements. This would place the accrued benefits of active and deferred members at risk. Increases to pensions in payment cannot be awarded until such a time as the funds have sufficient capacity to bear the increased liability.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834796},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company concerned High Court ruling means solvency requirement more onerous for it and employees while pensioners press for end to 15-year pension freeze"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"CIÉ Group warns its pension bill set to increase to unsustainable levels","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YBCDUVNWFNHMFHQPE5CT7FHDTU","auth":{"1":"19f5a459019edf57b074b583f79fcfd09d1023a5e4c41d890dc1d716b0024d42"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YBCDUVNWFNHMFHQPE5CT7FHDTU.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/29/cie-group-warns-scale-of-its-pension-contribution-facing-increase-to-unsustainable-levels/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"2LWUQHIZJZAXPIOLHCIEQFCMQA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":717,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/2c2baec7-5d57-4a98-bbc2-bbec82efd2c8/versions/1732792818/media/3ced5ff838ca454b6f3cfc8ba6c6224c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/29/crunch-time-for-cie-pensioners-as-they-voice-their-fears-for-the-future/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AWGDFGO3WVF4XMXNXIBSHNSXWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630520},"content":"Speaking after the Budget in October, the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the Government had a “big focus on supporting older people – people who have worked hard all their lives”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPJTTFKIMREIBDXNPB27EXKXPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630522},"content":"The Government had provided a €12 increase per week in the State pension. “I don’t want any older person afraid to turn on their heating,” Ms Humphreys said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJO7NS4KZRCADBYSFH4V3LRV5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630524},"content":"Yet those representing staff who worked for the State transport companies maintain that hundreds of retired workers are already “effectively living in poverty”, as their pensions have been frozen for more than 15 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2V2SYA5LVHZDMO3LSRMPYTJRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630525},"content":"The pensioners’ group says hundreds of former CIÉ workers are struggling to survive because they have not received an increase to their pensions since 2008 and are not entitled to State benefits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOEHIMNFEJFT3NTMSZOJDQZQGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630526},"content":"The CIÉ group, which comprises Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, operates two pension schemes – one known as the 1951 scheme and another known as the regular wages scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X5BNM5DXNET5IK57HUUBIV2CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630527},"content":"The company maintains that the schemes are the only ones in the semi-State sector that are in deficit while remaining open to new members.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5B64SU7QYREZJPAJ2LAYXB34VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630528},"content":"However, official correspondence shows that the board is worried at the impact of a growing workforce and unchanged retirement benefits on the projected pension liabilities for the group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P72BRRYCLNFCBEPC3CPL7LG4Z4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630529},"content":"Some informed sources maintained that the CIÉ group currently has a turnover of about €1.6 billion and pension liabilities of about €2.7 billion. However there are projections that in ten years, the liabilities could reach €4 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHHC4VZFF5FRLAXNPO3S4DDT2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630530},"content":"CIÉ chairman Aidan Murphy told Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan in September that the schemes had a deficit amounting to €371 million at the end of last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKME22RXFFACXKLI5M3RM3ZBJY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ACISM6MX7NHUNGKLZYGBKPW3JU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"RYNQGVF4RND7ZDWBNSJSEQZNAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630531},"content":"“The pension deficit continues to be a big concern for the CIÉ group”, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6JNFXIVPZHSBJFSFQGVDHSFYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630532},"content":"The CIÉ board is also worried that actuarial calculations suggest the employer contribution in the future could “increase significantly to levels that are unaffordable to the group”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EREQ2EEKDBGVNE5US7FDWJ3UQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630533},"content":"Earlier this year, Murphy’s predecessor Fiona Ross warned Ryan that pensions remained “a critical challenge”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHX3QI63GRESLO4CMYTGPCIKAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630534},"content":"She said the big issue with the pension schemes was the size of liabilities that was “too big compared to the economic value of the Group”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5J4YZHUW25EABM27CQPJALWYNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630535},"content":"“Unless action is taken an investment or market shock may require unaffordable remedial action necessitating benefit cuts due to the requirements of the Pensions Act or because benefits promised are too expensive to pay”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKWW5GZTVJHALMMG5NEUM6OPBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630536},"content":"Far from potential benefit cuts, retired personnel and trade unions are pressing for increases, arguing that the real value of pensions have been eroded as prices have risen in recent years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XMEEDQMGEVD63HUCY474OCIDRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630537},"content":"Retired transport staff and their representatives have staged protests and have lobbied politicians to put pressure on Ryan about the pension freeze. The Department of Transport said in October that it had received roughly 160 Freedom of Information requests about the pension issue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULHUEHC7XZFK5GDC77BHTVASTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630538},"content":"Ryan has told the Dáil that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the schemes were capable of sustaining such increases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5HL67XVYZGXBHG4A2YN4OO6II","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630539},"content":"The CIÉ Salaried Pensioners Association, which represents some 2,200 of the group’s former employees, says several hundred of those now have incomes that fall short even of the State non-contributory pension of €266, with none of the additional automatic entitlements or some allowances provided by the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HD3VNYTQ7VF4JJKLCU4UBC2UFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630540},"content":"Those worst affected, says the association’s secretary, Bernie Tierney, are predominantly older members, many of them women. A significant number of them, she says, are effectively living in poverty, having seen already modest pensions devalued over the course of the last 16 years, particularly more recently as fuel prices spiked and other cost increases caused inflation to jump up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM2RK5LWN5FR7ENCOZP3LTAVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":"GCI762L6UNEDVBX5EJXXEJQ5YQ"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"HNWDXJOWAREOTFXVL3O5RKCZFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630541},"content":"“The expectation was that you would get an increase every year because that’s what always happened, but then that changed, and people have been left in a situation where their lives now are a lot harder than when they were working. Some of them can’t afford to heat their homes properly, but then they can’t afford to go out either,”she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE647T4UWRAIDGKE2BMCJNZBHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630542},"content":"Murphy told the Minister in September that the CIÉ board was “acutely aware of the challenge for pensioners . . . Unfortunately, the fragile funding positions of the schemes and the large FRS balance sheet deficit are significant obstacles to addressing this”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7S45XZQNGNBNZHHWELS6UQIAYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630544},"content":"“The board is also mindful of the need to provide public transport services as efficiently as possible, to deliver value for money for the Exchequer and to ensure the financial sustainability of the Group.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7GV365QRFBMFLE3AHV54N5DY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630545},"content":"The pensioner group says those most acutely affected started work with the company before 1995 and paid only Class D PRSI contributions, something that left them without the entitlement to the State pension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"67VUZIAUXNCS5JPTL74ODRDLWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630546},"content":"Ms Tierney says that while the consumer price index had increased by about 21 per cent since 2008, the State pension had gone up by 24 per cent and staff pay, to which the pensions were previously linked, had risen by 30 per cent since 2016. Still, the Class D pensions have remained entirely unchanged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4OBIBWVNBCLFPU7KJPD75ZG3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630547},"content":"The 1951 scheme is effectively for managerial and clerical staff. It is a defined-benefit arrangement, based on 40 years’ service, and the pension payment involves 50 per cent of final salary and a lump sum of one and a half years’ pay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TN2M6BM2O5C3BOSDTAHUTI2XGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630548},"content":"The regular wages scheme is based on 30 years of service, and provides for 20 per cent of final salary. In addition, there is a lump sum of 125 per cent of final salary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MS3YAYXYKBHJDEEFVER6XI2BRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630549},"content":"At present, the employer makes a contribution of €245 for every €100 from staff in the regular wages scheme, and €340 for every €100 in the 1951 scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGZEBXDRBZB63KAD34PDY3AQYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630550},"content":"The employer pension costs last year amounted to €67 million. With growing staff numbers, this is expected to increase to €75 million this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C43YVQA2GVDH5FXSQQZ32OU5RI","additional_properties":{"_id":"N5XGTXFN2RG5VHJBWX5W2Z4KPI"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"LECBDSH4MVGSLEAGKPBXPZFKM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630551},"content":"The actuarial valuation report for the 1951 scheme, dated September 30th, says that the employer contribution as a percentage of pensionable salary – relative to an average employee rate of circa 6.9 per cent – represented a multiple of 3.4. It said this translated into a contribution rate of 23.3 per cent of basic payroll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VSVKDXSRNG6PB5JZJYTBPVXKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630552},"content":"It says that the contribution rate required to meet the future service benefits is an employer multiple of 2.89 times member contributions – 19.7 per cent of pensionable salaries annually. However, it says there is also a past service deficit of €229.1 million. It says combined future service rate and past service deficit adjustment would involve an employer multiple of 4.2 – or 28.7 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBDHCUSA6BFNTC3SXADZML625I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630553},"content":"The report says it was advised by the board “that this level is unaffordable”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRYXW36RGRDWVLVFRJKZZP6UPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630554},"content":"In May 2021, trade union members in the CIÉ companies voted to accept reforms put forward by the Labour Court. These proposed a new minimum age of retirement of 63 for those under the age of 60.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OC3LBGNSONFOZO5PH4766UMNM4","additional_properties":{"_id":"UTGSIO4SSBCB7G2F7ODOUZH62Q"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"YHRDYDTSQZDYLGQGBDTULW4GJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630555},"content":"Those wishing to retire before 63 could do so, however, by paying a contribution from their lump sum. Their pension in such circumstances would not be discounted. The scheme would remain open to new entrants, but pensions would be based on career average earnings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHIZ7UEXSRGLRDKFWBMCGZKRTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630557},"content":"However, implementation of the changes was delayed as a result of a legal case brought by the committee of the 1951 scheme, over its rules regarding funding and solvency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BZU2GBV7VVFHPACRUISHOKT6Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630558},"content":"Judgment in the case was delivered in April this year, and in the intervening three years, staff continued to be employed on the previous pension terms. The company also believed the ruling had implications for the affordability of the schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBHBAM6WMBGF5AXHTERUXU6YP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630560},"content":"On October 2nd, the company told the group of trade unions that the solvency obligation rule in the 1951 scheme (and in the regular wages scheme) was now “more onerous” on both the company and employees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGVTZZDVHBCDJBMJC7ERJPSJHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630561},"content":"It said following the ruling that the statutory funding standard must now be met “at all times”, and must also include future benefits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXK6O77K25EDRPYPQOTDDMYVEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630562},"content":"It added: “The judgment also confirms that solvency is unequivocally a shared burden with employees. The statutory funding standard measures the ability of the scheme to pay accrued benefits at a point in time ‘were the fund to be wound up’. While previously funding on an ‘ongoing basis’, the long-term sustainability of the scheme was paramount, the judgment now means that both the company and staff must maintain the scheme in a position to be wound up. To assert that the scheme is ‘fully funded’ means essentially that the scheme meets the minimum financial criteria to be wound up and does not meet the obligations for future accruals.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5OSKPFOTVDPDHVWYGINJB3HPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"XAYAW7C6PFHNBAOY7XP7WYY5EA"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"XL4PITPSPNFL3G3IN7K6VLQFZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630564},"content":"The company maintained that “in essence, the extremely expensive Court case has clearly demonstrated that spending millions in schemes’ funds was an exercise in futility”. It said the process had delayed for years the implementation of the most modest of changes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKRE53IV6FFPTPYV7GBR7OAN4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630565},"content":"The company letter followed a lengthy board discussion on September 11th at which it considered several options for reform of pension arrangements but subsequently decided to commence talks on the issues with trade unions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBUXB7TKRJFKBDABX65KYUIX2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630566},"content":"Among the proposals considered in the now-withdrawn options paper was to close the defined benefit pension scheme to new entrants, to establish a single defined contribution arrangement for new employees, to identify other changes to manage costs, and to defer negotiations on future pay talks until “necessary pension changes are implemented” or that pay rises should be made non-pensionable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7TIT5VLEZBKZHH27P4PYJEM2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630567},"content":"Unions told members last week that they did not agree with the company proposals: “Whilst CIÉ has its agenda, the trade union group remains resolute in ensuring that sustainable increases for pensions in payment will be top of our agenda.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIP6SH54JBGCXHCDLTXPSU6LVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732792205187},"content":"’When inflation was very high, our pensions didn’t keep up with it’","type":"header"},{"_id":"5DQOEFP66RDZBBNWCQGV3RS64Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630571},"content":"Retired staff in other State-owned firms maintain their living standards have been eroded as a result of measures taken to control costs in their company pension funds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XPPF56HNJRD57NCYL2INTTTOZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630572},"content":"Members of An Post pensioners group will protest in Cork on Friday to publicise their call for a review of measures adopted more than a decade ago to address funding shortfalls in their scheme, something they say has been successfully achieved in no small part because of their sacrifice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BZ5X5EMQXFACPFDO5MKUHX7NPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630573},"content":"Paul Moreland, chair of Post Office Pensioners United, says more than 7,000 An Post pensioners lost ground on State pension recipients and current staff at the company over the course of a 10-year agreement intended to address a pension fund deficit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPWZCRUKOJA53NIUJKDAW4BB4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630574},"content":"“The way it worked was, there are three options for calculating increases and whichever of them produced the lowest result, that’s what we got,” he said. “If inflation was zero, then we got nothing, but through the years there when inflation was very high, our pensions didn’t keep up with it: the most we could get of an increase was 2 per cent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTY4RCOI6BCZRORQET6BOQMMRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630575},"content":"More recently, the pensioners did get a higher increase as part of a wider agreement between management and the main union at the company, the CWU, but Mr Moreland remains critical and says he has written to new An Post chairman Kieran Mulvey seeking a review of the situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2EKDZO2LWRFC5LKZ7GDW7ZDWSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630576},"content":"Mr Mulvey recently told an Oireachtas committee the company pension scheme was “in rude good health and has an €500 million surplus”. He committed to looking at the concerns raised by pensioners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVYPHXB5DZE2XN4STBF26OL76Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630577},"content":"In the case of the ESB, there are about 9,000 retired members of the defined benefit scheme. This closed to new members in 2010 when, according to Tony Collins, retired chair of the ESB Retired Staff Association, existing pensioners had an agreement between management and unions representing then current staff imposed on them without consultation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFE5YZWGXBH4PJJCB76E3ZAQ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630579},"content":"He says the people his group represents have lost out as a result, with a previous link to staff salary increases abandoned and increases for pensioners running at only slightly over half those for serving staff, about 14 per cent compared to about 25 per cent, in the years since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Retired personnel say their living standards are being eroded, with some facing poverty as their pensions have been frozen for 15 years"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Crunch time looms for CIÉ pensioners as they voice fears for the future ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"D3MKMPHFM5M3BGHG4ZXCO7KRN4","auth":{"1":"dd95a982437645388bc60756b90c3c06dd78c20147394dd28025fbaa4f66e75d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/D3MKMPHFM5M3BGHG4ZXCO7KRN4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/29/crunch-time-for-cie-pensioners-as-they-voice-their-fears-for-the-future/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"BRZJKHF4DFDW7FUFNMN7VIBNMU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":283,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/eeedec44-c245-40cf-a37e-5666b63bad84/versions/1732707119/media/3ca273c2f8ff5929740e013e2e5da2ed_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/28/no-work-phone-companies-that-tell-staff-to-bring-their-own-could-be-walking-in-to-danger/","content_elements":[{"_id":"L3LCQ7H2KFDPZL6XYPLLEJRRNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745964},"content":"When your company’s cyber security team contacts you personally, it is rarely for a positive reason.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSAUC7ZFNZAEHI3ALRNWM3WKXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745965},"content":"In my case, it was to inform me I would no longer be able to access my work emails from my phone. Apparently my device – a second-hand model I bought several years ago – was so old it had become a security risk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UNUQZSO7RC6LDOXMUGCJAR6BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745966},"content":"This has simply meant checking my work emails less – many would think hardly a sacrifice. But not all workers without company phones can enjoy this luxury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UA7PXTIIFVHF3M4FFF4HJ4TSN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745967},"content":"“Bring your own device” (BYOD) policies, where staff are allowed to use a personal phone for work-related tasks, are “more common than ever”, according to technology services company Global Relay. In a survey this year, 67 per cent of companies said they operated such policies, up from 51 per cent in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4BKOF5V2NEBJJNF3SV5GXCW6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745968},"content":"Employees appear less than enthusiastic about this trend. A poll commissioned by Motorola last year found 62 per cent of respondents agreed that having work items on their personal devices made it difficult for them to relax, while 54 per cent of those without a work smartphone wanted their organisation to provide one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABIVBXVZ2FEUVPPCXH3W7ZQF3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745969},"content":"David D’Souza, director of profession at the CIPD body for HR workers, says this may not make a difference, however. “The bigger challenge is not who owns the device, it’s what you’re doing on that device and where the boundaries are set.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZN6YNFABYRD5PHSIBPJJLUVXR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732803582943},"content":"Some employees may like accessing their work emails on their personal device – it stops them having to carry around two devices and means all their contacts are in one place. But “there’s a big difference in agency between someone who checks their emails at the weekend to ensure they’re not behind and a boss calling someone [on their personal phone] at 1am”, adds D’Souza.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UK5X23MVZA5VJNWZGWFLAYH4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745971},"content":"One public sector worker confirms this, saying they are frequently contacted on their personal phone out of hours – including one late-night message chasing them for a “mental health awareness day selfie” for the organisation’s blog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDPGMZ2T5RA5JEZH6J5C7NR2HM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745972},"content":"Employee wellbeing is not the only worry when it comes to phones. In 2021, JPMorgan paid $200 million (€190 million) to US regulators to settle charges over its Wall Street division using WhatsApp and other apps to communicate with high-profile clients, in breach of federal record-keeping laws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7PHNBERPZAMZONFF6DUQT4TS4","additional_properties":{"_id":"3UCDHC6EBNCAHDOPDRUI7OVM24"},"content":"‘Gone are the days of taking a phone call in the open’: why office pods are needed everywhere","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6XN6TBGYJ5HETEYKQRX5QJZCEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745973},"content":"Oliver Blower, chief executive of VoxSmart, which provides employee-surveillance software, says using personal phones may be appropriate in some sectors. But in a job such as trading, where “anything related to or intended to result in a transaction has to be recorded”, allowing employees to do this on anything other than a corporate-issued device is “penny-wise, pound-foolish”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6RAF2BKYJH63CZJPV5PFRA65E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745974},"content":"Companies trying to save money with “bring your own device” policies risk falling foul of regulators, he says. “They’re trying to save a few bucks on phone tariffs but they’re getting whacked with $100 million fines. We’ve seen them all swing to BYOD then come back to corporate-issued.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPBHK54ARRCY7NVGCICJEUFXCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745975},"content":"Staff in these sectors also have to tread carefully. Some banks now train employees to recognise when conversations on personal phones should be moved to official channels. Others require them to take screenshots of work-related messages on their personal devices to share with compliance departments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIMRSWGUUBDCBB5CJZYJFNZ44Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745976},"content":"Blower, a former trader, says: “Everyone wants to use WhatsApp in trading because we use WhatsApp in our personal lives.” His advice to employees is blunt: “If you’re not given the tools to do your job, resign.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRVYARHGHZDNFEBE2CZMLYNGAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745977},"content":"Outside highly regulated professions, D’Souza sees the debate of work phone versus BYOD as more “a cultural ... than a technology issue”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGSXWBE2L5HSVIA2RELX7KNJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745978},"content":"He says organisations should be aware of staff working hours, although he is sceptical about an official “right to disconnect”. He points to a CIPD survey that found only a fifth of UK workers would actually use such a policy to halt all digital contact outside working hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3XSNC2UM5C6FJ2WH2GYZG5YUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745979},"content":"For some, however, it is not an issue at all. “It’s been about a year since I last switched my work phone on,” says one investment bank analyst.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VIMEQX4EVJDA5HY4PUTLXRRGC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745980},"content":"What if there were a work emergency? “I have my personal number on my email. They could call me on that,” they reply. “But why would I keep my work phone on? It’s not like I’m going to spend my Saturdays checking Teams.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ben Parr"}]},"description":{"basic":"Using personal devices for work carries risks for employers, while for employees there is no guarantee of a neat divide between work and home life"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"No work phone? Companies that tell staff to bring their own could be walking into danger","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IZJQIYYA4ZADHOQZJRLIIOQLYA","auth":{"1":"7bd679c7c89832d1a7c48b52f7f3164c9bdf74eecb33f65bdfe1dc26fa2e37e0"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IZJQIYYA4ZADHOQZJRLIIOQLYA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/28/no-work-phone-companies-that-tell-staff-to-bring-their-own-could-be-walking-in-to-danger/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"NPDE3LMFOBEUBMWZRFPFXGUPDI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":245,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0494efc5-3ae4-4f4f-9b3a-0c878a624ed8/versions/1732469655/media/3ae859ddd0d1445c84e8cfed62714ae6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/25/search-for-auto-enrolment-asset-managers-to-start-within-weeks/","content_elements":[{"_id":"S4MHELSLZJEIHBSMVLSG7KLUH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139222},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-social-protection/\" target=\"_blank\">Department of</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-social-protection/\" target=\"_blank\"> Social Protection</a> said it plans “in the coming weeks” to start its long-awaited official search for four investment firms to manage assets under <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/auto-enrolment/\" target=\"_blank\">auto-enrolment</a>, the mandatory workplace pension scheme coming into operation next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CU7CAUGLLNCW7G4CTIM3XMPZRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139223},"content":"Officials in the department have also disclosed to The Irish Times that they plan to tweak the fee structure envisaged under the plan to include a flat annual fee which will be levied on each of the 800,000 workers expected to be captured by the scheme, in addition to a charge based on a percentage of assets under management.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44UK45K7DND3DLQ3JBS4VBIWNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139224},"content":"They did not give further details on the fees, other than that the department “will ensure these are highly competitive”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UJVAHZKMRGU7AOMPYB2GBEJWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139225},"content":"Officials had originally planned for annual management fees of 0.5 per cent of assets under management – with most of the money going to the investment managers – but some also earmarked for running costs of the authority overseeing the scheme, which will be known as My Future Fund.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7CR5347K5CEFJBCVNVU3WSJXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139226},"content":"A flat-fee element would disproportionately affect lower paid workers with smaller investment pots in the scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZKG7GO4GBFZTG4G7NLI6L66RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139227},"content":"“The department is currently engaged in preparing and drafting an RFT [request for tender] for investment managers. This work is at an advanced stage and the RFT is expected to issue in the coming weeks,” a spokesman for the department said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMO24SVB7VGVBKEA5SDSVXKDV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139228},"content":"“Fees associated with My Future Fund are under active consideration and are likely to constitute a flat fee for administration purposes and a percentage of assets under management for investment services. Through negotiation with service providers, the Department will ensure these are highly competitive.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJISGGEBGFHU7F5EJLUAX7IULQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139229},"content":"The outgoing Minister for Social Protection, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heather-humphreys/\" target=\"_blank\">Heather Humphreys</a>, who is not standing in this week’s general election, signed a commencement order in October that would see the long-delayed mandatory workplace pension scheme begin operations at the end of September next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMWWTLOXCFAEJIIXGHJFMJQWDU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4E4THZNEVBE6DLRF6DGNBX3MVQ"},"content":"Pension opt out may disappear as firms look to sidestep auto-enrolment","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5434YC6ZAVFHJBLKLSLMB6YY2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139230},"content":"Her officials aim to select four investment management companies to invest contributions from employees, employers and the State. The investment managers will provide three strategies: higher risk, medium risk and lower risk. All participants will be placed in a default strategy if they do not choose a specific one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFJWJH4HLBAZHC4LVOCSM37UFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139231},"content":"Auto-enrolment will apply to workers aged between 23 and 60 who earn at least €20,000 a year across one or more jobs and are not already members of an occupational pension scheme. Employers and employees will each initially contribute 1.5 per cent of gross earnings to their pension pot, with the Government adding a further 0.5 per cent. The contributions are due to increase in stages, reaching 6 per cent, 6 per cent and 2 per cent respectively in 2034.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VE53XHZPCZHK3E6Y3MVN2IYSKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139232},"content":"The department has signed up Indian group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tata-consulting/\" target=\"_blank\">Tata Consultancy Services</a>, which has a base in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, employing 1,400 people, to build and run the auto-enrolment system for the next 15 years at a cost of €150 million. Tata administers a similar system in the UK.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7SSBJ2YUZCBZA7AYUBVTLSL7A","additional_properties":{"_id":"PHHG5Q4ST5CDJLBQUTYZHKC4XA"},"content":"India’s Tata Consultancy Services preferred bidder to build auto-enrolment pension system","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NQ6QPVDVBZGERB2GZKAJ5PHFKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139233},"content":"The recent Finance Act 2024 set a taxation approach for benefits in an auto-enrolment investment pot on the death of a scheme member that differs to the one operating under standard defined contribution (DC) schemes or personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs).","type":"text"},{"_id":"4P7OTVPYVJDEJMX3UBWBB32NOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139234},"content":"In DC and PRSA schemes, funds in a member’s plan are subject to certain lump-sum limits and inheritance tax rules following their death. However, the recent Act has established that funds in an auto-enrolment plan will be subject to income tax for the beneficiary as they would be entitled to the full amount in the participant’s account in a lump sum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2SMMQISQZAJVE6RGBBEC5NXTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139235},"content":"A spokeswoman for the Department of Finance said its officials and the Revenue Commissioners are considering ways to more closely align the tax treatment on death of both regimes before it becomes an issue, starting with potential measures in Finance Bill 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Officials now plan flat charge on participants to run scheme which will hit lower paid people harder"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T05:33:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Search for auto-enrolment asset managers to start within weeks","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY","auth":{"1":"8014cecd659545681bb74de5f974f921dc829072b2c80eaca3210ca6e8b11f12"},"focal_point":{"x":1767,"y":1348},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/25/search-for-auto-enrolment-asset-managers-to-start-within-weeks/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"DJ5TKEWAMJGQVKVIR66LFN7YHQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":282,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/cb7c08c0-9d09-47a2-8e62-d664fa34493a/versions/1732462980/media/2d66ab4460f700543a25adce182ca4e2_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/25/climate-cops-and-the-art-of-the-deal/","content_elements":[{"_id":"44WU4MHKQZA6HOFQMKEIRJZS6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154825},"content":"One day at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cop29/\" target=\"_blank\">Cop29</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/climate-change/\" target=\"_blank\">climate</a> conference in Baku last week, I ran into a veteran of these sprawling talks who said he had been rereading Getting to Yes, the bestselling book on how to negotiate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7RDIBNGCORBJRNQOV7434YHBKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154826},"content":"“It just made me laugh,” said former European Union negotiator Kaveh Guilanpour from the C2ES climate think tank.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBWRRKUBCBFDDALQDFGTUQKJYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154827},"content":"Cops could deliver significant agreements, he said, but generally after messy, zero-sum wrangling that was the opposite of the book’s advice on how to negotiate successfully.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZZ4K6TEOJJD5HFFPCQ764CSGY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154828},"content":"He has a point. All too often, Cops have been better at getting to no. Progress is predictably glacial in talks between nearly 200 countries with wildly differing interests, that take decisions by consensus, not a majority vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27DGIKSFY5CGNOUFUKMZ23EAWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154829},"content":"Even when deals finally emerge, they are often deliberately drafted to allow multiple sides to say they have won. Witness last year’s Cop agreement in Dubai on a transition away from fossil fuels in “energy systems”. That could mean all energy use, or just power, heating and cooling. Take your pick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX4NFKVZGRBGXGO52KR3S3QSJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732461036607},"content":"“That would never happen in business, where lawyers make sure each side knows precisely what they’re signing up for,” says British economist Michael Jacobs, a seasoned Cop watcher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"74I27UK47VGJNF6GSWR3YEZAHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154830},"content":"Nonetheless, these two-week tussles over financial, legal, trade, farming, health and scientific issues, to name just a few agenda items, make Cops the Olympics of negotiations. And as Getting to Yes says, negotiation is a fact of life, whether you are trying to buy a house, close a business deal or squeeze a pay rise from your boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QZUDFTVTFEUXPRFNO2DP2QVDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154832},"content":"Helpfully, there are a few things that can be learned from these talks, starting with the importance of knowing your enemy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAD6VTBQLZBEPJQ7ALTLU2NLCU","additional_properties":{"_id":"RFSGKCORG5DODLU76XSXPOTLQU"},"content":"Deal reached at Cop29 but developing countries say it is not enough to avoid climate catastrophe","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PEKKCL62INBA5BRGRXZNPAFJSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154833},"content":"Many successful Cop negotiators get their way by knowing exactly how their opponents are likely to react. One man told me last week he once went to a Cop meeting where he knew that whatever he said was going to be opposed by another country’s delegate. “So I went in and said the complete opposite of what I wanted,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OWJIZBQNJGBVGB3X54K2W7TQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732461036611},"content":"Sure enough, the other negotiator immediately opposed it and unwittingly delivered the desired result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6SUVK566NBFZM7GTZO6E5EYLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"NDGF7DJDABHOXAC4BCZTBGEZS4"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"6DZBNMFHMZBZBHAT7EEFJRE7HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154834},"content":"This is a reminder of the need for a certain level of negotiating ruthlessness, even if it seems risky.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YD5NJSKLNGKDMWFWAFGRX2WPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154835},"content":"The testy 2011 Cop in Durban, South Africa, eventually agreed a deal paving the way for the 2015 Paris Agreement after what has gone down in climate talks lore as “the huddle that made history”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYMXM4OSYBCNTJXFBKIOJKH6XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154836},"content":"As the meeting ran more than a day over time, a handful of top negotiators frantically tried to iron out a compromise on the conference floor, surrounded by a sea of photo-snapping journalists and delegates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJNHXW4KSRHN5FCYHN6AFOXUDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154837},"content":"Fearing the worst, one European rushed to the stage to ask the Cop president, South Africa’s Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, if a room could be found for the envoys to hash out a solution in private. “She said, ‘No, it’s best to leave them there because they will make a decision’,” this man told me in Baku. “And she was right. They did.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GOQRREO2GVFP5O5YOJOIWBNYKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154838},"content":"That story underlines the importance of the human element in any negotiation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VBNAQQGUNEI5KBIJFS5WRQ2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154839},"content":"Before she became European Central Bank president, Christine Lagarde is said to have stopped food being served to French and German negotiators during one long round of talks in Brussels. The Germans eventually gave up out of hunger, according to the former IMF chief’s biographer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLBFXHMW5ZABNINSXTXRTZRNII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154840},"content":"Billionaire financier Carl Icahn is a famous night owl known for holding negotiations long past most people’s bedtimes, giving him an edge over exhausted opponents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEMTA5YIXBF5PMPIMYYL6EGGNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154841},"content":"Cops are not immune from this sort of thing. Lead negotiators are not above holding important meetings in small rooms to keep down numbers and hasten decisions. It’s no fun for those left standing for hours on end, as one victim told me.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WSMBG6EC6FBNXLJFQJYUPZOV3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154843},"content":"On a more cheering note, Cops have also illustrated the importance of pleasing physical locations for negotiations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVZ7UW2MLVCZHMFUFDC5BUEFSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154844},"content":"After the disappointing Copenhagen Cop of 2009, which ended in recriminations after failing to produce a strong deal, Mexico’s beachside city of Cancún was chosen for the 2010 meeting that had to revive the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSTCZ3S2YBE5LC4O6OUKQN6NOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154845},"content":"At one point when the Cancún talks grew tense, Mexico’s top negotiator disappeared from the room and returned to slam a bottle of tequila down on the table.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZA5Q6DULRDV3NFRJB23WY2Y5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154846},"content":"“It was a real icebreaker,” one delegate with happy memories of the moment told me last week. The show went back on the road. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Olympics of negotiations offer lessons for corporate life"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Negotiation is a fact of life, whether you are trying to buy a house, close a deal or squeeze a pay rise","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KIYHXITKESQCLU72MMBAKRNLEM","auth":{"1":"7aa5fffd0e7cc18f6d30dd0115925698868e6ec5aad7f65b49fd30b82defa317"},"focal_point":{"x":2347,"y":1184},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KIYHXITKESQCLU72MMBAKRNLEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/25/climate-cops-and-the-art-of-the-deal/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"ZPF4SNVKVBDC7MJVPDWK5ELENE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":144,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/32aa0ce4-c869-407b-a215-43fa0fd4e98c/versions/1732473389/media/a53e6b76ae8e636f4aab945634a9dea9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/25/royal-london-enters-fast-growing-irish-prsa-market/","content_elements":[{"_id":"F6QLKCZ4JFG7TBX7HJVLJWZAOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656709},"content":"The Irish arm of UK life and pensions group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/royal-london/\" target=\"_blank\">Royal London</a> has decided to enter the Irish personal retirement savings account (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/prsa/\" target=\"_blank\">PRSA</a>) market, one of the fastest-growing areas of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pensions</a> market in recent times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QR2UETBQ7FHTTDJ3SWPQDG5HZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656710},"content":"Royal London Ireland chief executive Noel Freeley said the move illustrated the company’s “long-term commitment to the Irish broker market”, after entering Irish pensions with its approved retirement fund and personal retirement bond offering.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2CKPNA22VEFJPOOYC4V2BCI6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656711},"content":"The PRSA market, established in 2002 as a type of flexible long-term personal pension plan, has grown sharply in popularity in recent years, amid efforts by the government and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pensions-authority/\" target=\"_blank\">Pensions Authority</a> to encourage business owners to move away from single-member executive pension schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NF7FIZMPWFE5NN23R2JKAGFU2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656712},"content":"The government used the Finance Act 2022 to remove the benefit-in-kind (BIK) treatment of employer contributions to employees’ plans. BIK is ordinarily treated as taxable income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPKCUVYB2FEGTGIMN4STMZL66A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656713},"content":"However, the Finance Bill 2025, signed into law earlier this month, has placed a limit on employer contributions from a BIK-exemption perspective to 100 per cent of income drawn from the business in the same year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOZV5CKP2NHB5KLHQUDAMZX4Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656714},"content":"The PRSA market in Ireland, which was comprised of seven main firms, including Irish Life, Aviva and Standard Life before Royal London entered the fray, saw annual premium equivalent contributions reach €400 million in 2023, up from €149 million in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KONENGEZGVHDNLJKZOCLUSNCGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656715},"content":"Royal London, the first big life and pensions firm to enter this segment of the market in about a decade, estimates the market will grow even more strongly this year. Financial advisers had warned business owners to use a short window between the unveiling of Budget 2025 in early October and the Finance Act was signed into law on November 12th, to up contributions to maximise tax-efficient payments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D57JEFBDVJELPDE6NZMI2JCTK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732467349657},"content":"Still, financial advisers say the PRSA is expected to remain attractive to executives and business owners even after the move to cap the tax benefits of contributions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Flexible personal pension model has been boosted by government efforts to steer business owners away from single-member schemes"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T04:59:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Royal London enters fast-growing Irish PRSA market","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OSLBSLHHXSPIKC72APD6XDTFSQ","auth":{"1":"f1b6fe84b3ffa7394d7a3c04bfa5e814afb8c7c3902e6af8f4afed222df1c336"},"focal_point":{"x":2449,"y":1157},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OSLBSLHHXSPIKC72APD6XDTFSQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/25/royal-london-enters-fast-growing-irish-prsa-market/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"QJK6VVZQTVAHVIVUNNZ5OCDUPQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":317,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/080b2f5f-4a1a-4864-b8c5-38a9b449da87/versions/1732450382/media/833b023a04ada4c23e29f8cff69c951f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/is-remote-work-bad-for-productivity/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RSRFK6H4MBHANNQT3ALMJXYB5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105553},"content":"Do companies get more bang for their buck from having workers on site? It would seem like a seminal question to ask of the post-pandemic workplace. And there isn’t a clear-cut answer or at least the research (there have been dozens of studies) points in different directions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAXZS424FBDKZBV232DFQCLGAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393279},"content":"A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh, which analysed S&P 500 companies that implemented in-office requirements for at least a few weekdays between June 2019 and January 2023, found employee or company performance wasn’t improved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SRZWPDH2ZHUVFFT3YA2B2TAN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105556},"content":"Another conducted by researchers at Stanford University found that fully remote work was associated with about 10 per cent lower productivity than fully in-person work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NSDXMVCRMFFLNNBOQXB7UHZPFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105557},"content":"“Challenges with communicating remotely, barriers to mentoring, building culture and issues with self-motivation appear to be factors,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLL5E4R7Q5FK5DJMPVJX3ECZP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393282},"content":"But can we really make some overarching judgment about remote work and productivity when there are so many different work types, some that could benefit, others that patently won’t. And that’s before you account for the personalities involved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYUSTDMYKZGVHLAKWBUOVELXGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393283},"content":"Perhaps the best answer to the remote work productivity puzzle was the one I got from several company bosses here. They claimed the people who were productive in the office remained productive at home and vice versa. The implication being those who tended to doss in the office tended to do the same at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DLAE7O7HNF3PLNV3LN3GZ56VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393284},"content":"Might much of the current drive to get workers back into office be secretly motivated by a desire to monitor slackers?","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWFE4XIHJNAPNMKW3MREWFJIDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105562},"content":"As a journalist, stay-at-home protocols during lockdown allowed me jump from meeting to meeting without trooping about the place. And given a lot of reporting tends to be done over the phone, on a straight wordcount I could argue I was more productive at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6KTZVLOEFGVZGCAH3PWJMCNJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105564},"content":"But this came at the expense of meeting fewer people, cultivating fewer contacts and missing those off-the-record chit-chats with Government officials and others on the fringes of meetings that can provide context and insight. In a world of saturating news cycles, insight is a valuable commodity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQB26EZM4BBXNKUDFJN4GCUFM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105566},"content":"My personal experience perhaps underscores the hybrid model that the post-pandemic work landscape seems to have landed on naturally (the three day in, two day out routine).","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQLQIEE2HNEODNDETM7NVNM2YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105567},"content":"For many businesses, however, face-to-face human contact is simply not interchangeable with Zoom or Slack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YWPZRDB45CKPMO67CLLKMZKAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393291},"content":"The initial remote-working narrative was that it gave people, particularly time-starved workers, a better work-life balance. Surveys consistently highlight people’s preference for avoiding the hassle of commuting. The downside is that it can be isolating. As author Malcolm Gladwell says, is “sitting at home in your pyjamas” really the sort of career you envisaged for yourself?","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWL526I75RDS7G24E7MU3HQXFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393293},"content":"Besides missing out on the mentoring, younger workers are potentially missing out on workplace friendships, office banter, after-work drinks. Collegiality is an intangible office commodity that perhaps we took too much for granted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQZ6CITMKRGYFOPU4HELN5F6WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105572},"content":"It seemed plausible then that a generational divide might develop with older workers wanting more flexible arrangements (reflecting their stage in life) and younger ones looking for a more dynamic in-person work existence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7YQLOCU3BDTXDYUNDFBP3KT5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105573},"content":"But that’s not how it’s playing out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RNDLUSX2JB23JXIZNTIQLZWMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393296},"content":"Older workers, perhaps with a deeper experience of the workplace, have, in many cases, accepted the return-to-work directives. In contrast Gen Z digital natives, used to communicating via DMs or video chat, are the ones pushing for greater hybrid work arrangements, even for total remote options.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G3QHRWE7RVA4VFXHPK6ODRUKHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393297},"content":"According to a recent study by National Broadband Ireland in partnership with Grow Remote, over half (55 per cent) of Gen Z workers feel remote and hybrid working will have a positive impact on their career advancement compared to just 23 per cent of 45–54-year-olds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WU6YWWMZMRD27BCNTVOITYQ4ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732446808421},"content":"Regardless of how this age divide plays out, there is potentially a bigger issue at play, particularly in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEBUEHVOD5AQDL5OMV6OSFMI4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393299},"content":"Since the pandemic, more women have been able to work or at least have been enticed to take up roles. According to the latest Labour Force Survey from the Central Statisics Office, the participation rate for women now stands at a record 61.4 per cent. The assumption is that many women take responsibility for caring roles in the family, which limit their ability to attend the office on a conventional 9-5 basis. The new arrangements have provided a workaround.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAPLJZBFUJCG5IU6XVDMVFAUWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393300},"content":"Much of the additional employment driving Ireland’s economy at the moment is being facilitated by having more women working.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZNNT42ZIRFHDKPYAGB6WZ7H5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393301},"content":"Of course, there are negative aspects: the decline in city centre footfall and the downturn in commercial property values. In Dublin, office leasing in the first quarter fell to a decade low. Facebook owner Meta’s decision to forgo occupying nearly 35,000 sq ft of the former AIB Bankcentre site in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 is emblematic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UH3E6WJFFGNFETJHTYSRBZGCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393302},"content":"We’re long enough in the tooth to know that sometimes trends, even mega-trends, things we thought would last, fade and fizzle out as quickly as they came. The remote working trend seems more than a fad but how much more is still to be determined.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGAMHL72S5EORLYCVQTM5A32XE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}},"name":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Many company bosses are pushing for a complete return to the office but does research and lived experience back that position"},"display_date":"2024-11-24T11:22:34.962Z","headlines":{"basic":"Is remote working bad for productivity?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DYK76NMTDNCEFDGHD7S4BNPAHA","auth":{"1":"9507e8a25cd38051c44168e2dece5a1bc2e2d3b500370700cf7ad5ee5df378d1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DYK76NMTDNCEFDGHD7S4BNPAHA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Economy"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/is-remote-work-bad-for-productivity/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"NQDOWRCZAFEY7O3KWA4WJJK3NM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":306,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d2a10e89-c419-44d8-88b8-6bc4635936e4/versions/1732187599/media/f50679099e740d03b38c3d3636bbdf2f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/an-irish-businessman-in-singapore-youll-get-a-year-in-jail-if-you-are-in-a-drunken-brawl-so-people-dont-step-out-of-line/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OJLUDP6CCRHA7JBIFWHSS5ENJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306382},"content":"Pivoting from his accounting background into the world of fund management proved to be a smart choice for Cork-born Martin O’Regan. It has led to an interesting career that has taken him around the world and positioned him well for his role leading a niche business that provides independent directorship for global fund management companies from his base in Singapore.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJLSASND2BBD3E2DGBGG2M5UX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306383},"content":"O’Regan, the youngest of seven children, qualified as an accounting technician in his native city before moving to a job in Dublin and taking his CPA qualifications. “Dublin was being heavily promoted as a fund centre in the 1990s, with the growth of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ifsc/\" target=\"_blank\">IFSC</a>, and relatively few people were going into it, so I decided that was a good area to move into and I found the work interesting.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YRN3TXGMXVA6ZO3YJTZAA4JYTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306384},"content":"It also provided a platform for a global career and O’Regan found himself working in Bermuda in the early Noughties as an account manager managing a team of supervisors and fund accountants. Further moves took him to Cayman, Hong Kong and Dubai, working for global firms such as UBS and Deutsche Bank among others, all the while building his expertise and Rolodex of contacts in global financial services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PADAUQF4CVAM5C3IA3RUXZW33Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306385},"content":"“I was willing to work hard in these roles, was prepared to move, could do the job and could assimilate into different environments and work with different cultures,” he says. “Irish people tend to be good at that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YO3HZI4RI5F5TDEVE7EPIQ477U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306386},"content":"O’Regan settled in Singapore, where he gained permanent residency. This allowed him to set up his business, Solas Fiduciary Services in 2016. The 10-strong firm provides directorship services for hedge funds, private equity funds, fintech and real estate funds, covering jurisdictions including Cayman, Bermuda, Dublin, Luxembourg, Singapore and Hong Kong.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCIO2WQ2QJEMXBVJSPBEGY6RZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NCMK3V6LKZEJNCLVPBA7YLB5XM"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"OR4RTQIOQFAEXNYHNXEQNHYF3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Regan says the range of experience and contacts he and his colleagues have adds real value for clients as they can pick up the phone and talk to people in various parts of the world if issues arise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJ6HW3AQERGAZD74DO5BOA5UWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306388},"content":"It’s a niche area and one that was underdeveloped in Asia until recent years. “I saw a gap in the market, and we’ve become the biggest pure play player in this area in Asia,” he says. “When I was looking for a name for my business, I asked my nephew, who is a lecturer in Irish, if he could come up with a Gaelic name. He came up with Solas, pointing out that Solas doesn’t just mean light, it can also mean ‘guiding beacon’.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6V6PABMMV5EAXFIWGR7FO7ZCNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306390},"content":"O’Regan, his wife and their 12-year-old daughter live in a condo in Singapore. Having also lived in Hong Kong, he says where he lives now better suits his circumstances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNGHPSSXRVDOBKGABUAT62LHT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306391},"content":"“Hong Kong is great when you are single, but Singapore is better when you are married with children. The infrastructure is a lot better than Kong Hong. The condos have pools and tennis courts. It’s more relaxed pace and families do better here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVUAP3UKG5BVNCDYBL7QSG2SSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306392},"content":"“There are more schools, and it is very safe. My daughter has been getting the bus to school on her own since the age of eight, which is normal here, as nobody will bother you.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFDEHYEM3FDW5F4H23PYD5D3DU","additional_properties":{"_id":"UTERCCZKQRGLJOLZSHZSZ5QCIA"},"content":"Imagine if the population of Dublin quadrupled but housing was affordable. Welcome to Singapore","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CXBRJ4QKY5CZFMIDS7LMELXEGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306393},"content":"The rule of law in Singapore is very strong, with a “no-tolerance” approach to crime and bad behaviour, he adds. “You’ll get a year in jail if you are involved in a drunken brawl, so people don’t step out of line like that. And If you steal someone’s credit card and use it, you’ll get two years in prison. It’s very safe, therefore, especially for families.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"U325IYJHMJCJ7NY3J3A33VPRQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306394},"content":"There is a strong Irish community in Singapore, estimated to be 6,000 strong. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated enthusiastically and O’Regan is an active member of the Irish Chamber of Commerce there. He also works with Irish State agencies on both the inward and outbound sides, as he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2RC4HU6EFEZZKYF7KBVQ52MAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306395},"content":"“If Enterprise Ireland is bringing firms out of Ireland to try to crack the market in this part of the world, into Asia, I will help with advice and contacts whenever I can. Equally if there are Asian firms looking to invest into Ireland, I also help the IDA in a similar way.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULDFOZCTDVFJZAUYVP5MRZFRDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306396},"content":"Singapore is a cultural melting pot. Street signs in Mandarin, Malay, Indian and English provide a constant reminder. The local food scene is similarly eclectic. While O’Regan enjoys the cuisine, he admits he hankers for “a good hearty stew, like you’d get back home”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4J7TINWXBAGRAZ4NCQBBJ75D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306397},"content":"“I go home every July for a month. I get asked what food I miss, and will I ever come home. I think when you go home you think back to when you were younger and whatever made you happy, like your mother’s home cooking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVXNPODPDFDM5MAE2GAJU66M7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306398},"content":"“Ireland is also one of the places where people like to enjoy themselves and don’t take themselves too seriously. I miss the banter and the sarcasm you get in Ireland.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Frank Dillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Wild Geese: Martin O’Regan has a leading role in a niche business in the island nation"},"display_date":"2024-11-24T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"An Irish businessman in Singapore: ‘You’ll get a year in jail if you are in a drunken brawl, so people don’t step out of line’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MST4E6DA25A25B7LBHHTPQEPF4","auth":{"1":"43f524fdff7b108d01193d7b8936911bc644b7ca37acc3df04a7723059f721a7"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MST4E6DA25A25B7LBHHTPQEPF4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/an-irish-businessman-in-singapore-youll-get-a-year-in-jail-if-you-are-in-a-drunken-brawl-so-people-dont-step-out-of-line/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"YNTYTZZ7BRFRZP7SUEA76VF7UU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":236,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1b64998f-cae2-4d62-a07d-e44a6b3f8017/versions/1732203978/media/e033efa90b24a46a26564085122d90d6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/21/truck-driver-fired-for-clocking-off-for-night-leaving-concrete-load-to-go-hard-wins-2000-for-unfair-dismissal/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FT2WSQ266RGGTEULOA5NWZW6SA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703952},"content":"A truck driver fired for clocking off for the night and leaving a load of concrete to go hard in a lorry has won €2,000 for unfair dismissal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVGRWA56PNB4VCW3MO2FFMRGJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703953},"content":"Brian O’Neill secured an order for a reduced award against his former employer, Total Highway Maintenance Ltd, on foot of a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZY7AXNRTVHQFCKCDQTD3B5VJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703954},"content":"A Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator found the dismissal “procedurally lacking” – but concluded Mr O’Neill “knew or ought to have known” he could have been fired or reprimanded for his actions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUSNIQ7GJJBPLCXOIS5FL55WME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703955},"content":"The tribunal was told at a hearing in August this year that Mr O’Neill started work at the company’s depot in Kilkenny at 5.30am on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, picked up a flatbed truck and drove it to Dublin to work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWQWRPSL6FBWDCTSUME4JGNEKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703956},"content":"When he was about to head back to the depot, his line manager asked him to work some extra hours and bring a load of concrete to Tallaght, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXMF3QNSEFC6XEE7QU5C22KMOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703957},"content":"However, it turned out the customer only required a third of what had been loaded, it was noted. The complainant then drove the lorry, with the excess concrete still on board, back to the home depot in Kilkenny, arriving about 8.30pm, the tribunal recorded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKGLQ4KWNZBGFAU2CGQT46R5KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703958},"content":"Mr O’Neill, who represented himself before the tribunal, said that by the time he finished up with the customer in Tallaght it was “already too late” to get rid of the excess concrete as the dump sites he would normally use were closed by then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3FG6COG6JBQLJEFYDYZZQJ6UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703959},"content":"He said he was “exhausted” after 15 hours at work and that he meant to clean out the lorry the following day. The complainant said he knew the machine would be in such a state that it would be “unusable” the next day and accepted that he had been instructed to clean it out before finishing up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G72GHR4SZVFEZEEEDVUFI5M7G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703960},"content":"“It seems that the concrete set overnight and rendered the truck unusable for up to two days, as up to two other members of staff had to Kango hammer the set concrete out of the back of the truck,” adjudicator Penelope McGrath noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNVA2UZEU5HPNDVCRXTO7KAJPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703961},"content":"A text exchange on a work WhatsApp group was exhibited by the respondent’s solicitor, Harry Carpendale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GLVBMPNPNVG2XEGQAN4LXIR6IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703962},"content":"The company’s managing director, Nigel Crosbie, wrote: “Thats some state to leave a lorry back in the yard. It’s to be cleaned when you get home.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ODAUSMJMBBC7BKL6PTBLQA2TI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703963},"content":"Mr O’Neill replied: “No bother, I will clean it when I get back this evening.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y27MSUMMAREK5G7EGNK5Z76I6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703964},"content":"However, when Mr O’Neill returned to work on the evening of Friday, September 29th, he was informed by an unnamed manager, described as Mr L, that his job was being terminated, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKEDF4ECJ5ARDBJINBCWR24NVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703965},"content":"Mr Crosbie’s view was that contents of the lorry “should at the very least have been tipped out” – which Mr O’Neill stated he “did not think to do”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNPS3ZHD65DG5DULH4OOJJBUYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703966},"content":"It was submitted that Mr O’Neill had already been given two formal warnings by his employer in 2023 for “speeding and other road safety concerns”. Mr Crosbie said the concrete incident was “the final straw”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUYE7ASRDJDINBEBVYAKNBPULQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703967},"content":"The adjudicator, Ms McGrath, wrote that there was “no due process” in the termination of Mr O’Neill’s employment but that the complainant “knew he was bound to vex his employer”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5YPD6SUS5CSXGK4Z7WNHX5GAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703968},"content":"The loss of earnings in the case was only about four or five weeks’ wages, as Mr O’Neill was back at work by then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITIYJZLC55CAZIYOPQ7QM6YNLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703969},"content":"“The complainant knew or ought to have known that his actions could give rise to a sanction up to and including the dismissal that ensued. The unfairness of this dismissal is therefore minimised,” Ms McGrath wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERO34MUMABEGPIBREKK2IRU2QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703970},"content":"She awarded €2,000 in compensation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Brian O’Neill awarded reduced amount against Total Highway Maintenance with WRC finding he ‘ought to have known better’"},"display_date":"2024-11-21T15:41:10.891Z","headlines":{"basic":"Truck driver fired for clocking off for night leaving concrete load to go hard wins €2,000 for unfair 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a> chief executive Andy Jassy recently told employees that a new plan requiring them to be in the office five days a week did not amount to a “backdoor lay-off”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7H6YN7SEBCMNIZLO5AV3WX634","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700507},"content":"Yet his reported comments at a companywide meeting earlier this month did not rebut a previous suggestion from a senior manager that staff who fail to comply could look for work elsewhere.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5UE3TVFPNAEVGJBNHSFNEVCZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700508},"content":"As companies try to rein in costs and restrict workplace initiatives that do not help profits, workers are wary of falling victim to a fresh horror: the stealth sacking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4CKHCYA5ZBW3E7SASJEI3AFZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700509},"content":"Alongside a string of recent publicly announced mass lay-offs – by companies including Nissan, Boeing and Citigroup – there have been a series of employers quietly justifying smaller-scale dismissals because of seemingly minor violations of company policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FN5GWSTGCFE5LJWGWUNZOYHFNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700510},"content":"Here the focus is not on the size and scope of redundancy programmes, how humanely managers handled them or whether support or severance pay was offered to affected staff but on the specific rationale behind the decisions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBXSHFSCFFHDFFKQSMWMYG6HIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700511},"content":"Facebook owner <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>, for example, sacked about two dozen staff for abusing meal credit vouchers, while <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ey/\" target=\"_blank\">EY</a> terminated a group of employees for watching multiple training videos at once, the Financial Times has reported.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TM4TB66GFVFXJJ4QH3GGOFIWBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700512},"content":"Infractions that workers have probably interpreted as minor misdemeanours in the past can now be sackable offences, and may prompt questions about whether cost savings are being disguised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SLLSK45KT5CSXG5K2IC2FVQUYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700513},"content":"“As with most stories, there are two sides,” says Leo Martin, managing director of GoodCorporation, a business ethics consultancy that helps organisations design, build and improve their ethics and compliance programmes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BE3B2P6GAZFZBEQRHCY4UF2CNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731923633956},"content":"“From the employee perspective, they may have been given unrealistic deadlines, excessive work pressures or have received unclear guidance as to what is expected, while the employer will feel that abusing a perk or taking shortcuts undermines their systems, [and that] cheating in an exam or lying about training ... is a fundamental breach of trust.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HBHT6K2B5GA5B7GYIEH66YXTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700514},"content":"Part of the motivation to take a tough line on employees could be to make an example of anyone deemed to be a rule-breaker. This level of corporate discipline has been more common among heavily regulated industries, such as banking and financial services, that have huge compliance functions and the risk of hefty penalties for any conduct breaches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RG3FTSBJGRAXBPHCNYPYMMEQP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700515},"content":"Amanda Rajkumar, who has held senior HR leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase and BNP Paribas, says: “Banks and financial services have always come down hard ... given the robust regulatory environment and strong requirement to demonstrate exemplary, ethical behaviour related to the fiduciary nature of the industry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAEMLLS7TVCORP6SDSXRC7FL2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700516},"content":"Another incentive for a tough stance is that small infractions, such as taking advantage of company perks or bending minor rules, can foreshadow more serious ethical lapses. This has fuelled a “zero-tolerance” approach to policy enforcement in some sectors, as companies seek to preserve what they see as a culture of integrity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TDXLZZUU5BXXBMFTVTIS5GQ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":"N5XOFGPFJ5G2LDSL6Y4KL3WBZ4"},"content":"Should you admit you were fired from a job?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OG6X5OZ4QREOLNFXA7FCWM37FM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731923633960},"content":"One example from the financial crisis was when Fidelity Investments fired employees for being part of a Fantasy Football league that went against the company’s gambling rule. Early this year, several employees at US retailer Target were sacked after they used their status as staff to buy highly coveted Stanley cups ahead of customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUCIBO2J4RFBHFBOGYXRR2CNW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700518},"content":"“The spotlight should be on the employees’ reason or motivation for breaking the rules,” says Rajkumar. “A deliberate misuse of company resources usually indicates low engagement or a specific gripe against the firm.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7SITIIACND7LJY6L6WWWEIYKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700519},"content":"A recent trend of staff turning to online platforms to vent their frustrations about perceived mistreatment by employers or indiscriminate lay-offs has also pushed some companies to recalibrate their approach. Websites such as LinkedIn and anonymous review site Glassdoor give workers an outlet for grievances about their bosses, which can then spread quickly and damage the reputation of employers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYKYOD3SNFEQZC23WLHUL6MUCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700520},"content":"In one example that went viral this year, Brittany Pietsch, an employee at internet company Cloudflare, recorded her nine-minute virtual meeting with HR representatives in which she was fired, and posted it to TikTok, spawning a new “Quit-Tok” trend. In the video, Pietsch confronted her seniors about the reasons for her termination, but they had “no specific” answers or “clarity”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEYFPS3YYBH4HEHGAQ743FEHIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700521},"content":"Aware employee complaints about terminations are no longer confined to private HR files, some companies are aiming to reduce backlash and curb reputational risk by emphasising policy-driven grounds for firing. Recruiters, HR heads and workplace experts say whether an employer has made a clear case for dismissal is becoming as important as the manner in which a termination is conducted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH463OR2DZB4NDLCNFNAWWSUE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"NCJFJ6CKSNDWZDJDPRUT26M2IE"},"content":"Taking voluntary redundancy or getting laid off? You need to know about your tax, welfare and pension options","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NP5CJNOC6FHWBMQQ5B34QAK23E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700523},"content":"“Companies have had to be more mindful when they are firing staff because people are more vocal. We are in an era where snap decisions can have big blowbacks,” says Habiba Khatoon, a director at headhunter Robert Walters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3DJFHNLRVAAPC3FRK3K2QRYGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700524},"content":"She adds that in her experience managers are so wary of dismissing workers out of turn that they are delaying action until a record has been built of repeated performance issues or behaviour that violates company policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMSPTCALTNAC5C7355CAK7REQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700526},"content":"Khatoon says more companies are talking about so-called “ethical firing”. This refers to a transparent, rule-based approach to dismissals, where managers can point to concrete breaches in policy rather than subjective issues, such as workers being a “poor fit”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJYDDVSZZVFV7JCCG25DDAZMUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700527},"content":"Targeting terminations in this way has some advantages for employers. Basing decisions on documented infractions can help reduce staff numbers – and cut costs – without the optics of a struggling business that come with mass lay-offs. And unlike big rounds of job cuts, which often require severance packages, firings for conduct issues are typically exempt from such obligations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HAI7NY74NB5DJTZDUGAKY7CMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700528},"content":"Lucas Shaw, an expert in hiring and retention strategies, says he has been part of a conversation in which senior staff at a company – not one of his clients – instructed their IT team to look for misconduct on an individual’s record to avoid paying a costly redundancy settlement. “It’s incredibly underhand.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJGLKE74RZAVPHPYCRELUIXHFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700529},"content":"Employment experts say such practices underscore the need for staff to closely read and understand company policies and codes of conduct, which are at times being followed more rigidly than in the past.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OK5CTLCNOZAFJD3P5QCMOFD7TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700530},"content":"The advice for employers is to provide stronger and simpler guidelines about what is acceptable and what is not. Rules and disciplinary processes must be unambiguous and fairly applied no matter how senior an employee is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26CJQHUGH5GSDMLGTAA6IFNGVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700531},"content":"“Companies need to ensure they carry out fair and thorough investigations regarding any allegation of misconduct,” says GoodCorporation’s Martin. “Not only does this ensure a proper process is followed, it can also protect an organisation from accusations that what they are doing may have an ulterior motive.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4SKWVOPSVHCNA62WUIUYRETRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700532},"content":"In an era when workers prioritise transparency, selective enforcement of codes of conduct can erode trust as employees might see it as an excuse to target some staff. This, in the long run, may “be more damaging to the company than the actual employee misconduct”, warns Martin. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Anjli Raval"}]},"description":{"basic":"Hard line on conduct could prevent bigger lapses but may prompt claims of disguised cost savings"},"display_date":"2024-11-21T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Stealth sackings: why do employers fire staff for minor misdemeanours?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PB6HP4VNTBAIXPC7VSCOCURLQM","auth":{"1":"56f08ef258e07b801b1acbe7a4536b575d835c7b5fcfa3ee1c187673e98b84b9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PB6HP4VNTBAIXPC7VSCOCURLQM.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/21/stealth-sackings-why-do-employers-fire-staff-for-minor-misdemeanours/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"WIN67EDDOBA3ZF2PHQK5MZTSQI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":684,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/ac92592f-38dd-43ac-83fd-5560b2258e99/versions/1732036337/media/d0ebeaef5e2e66d9d4d9266e1952ba71_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/20/the-work-perks-that-really-matter/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VK3NS2JMZFE7POPRT2HXWGVBG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658208},"content":"From performance bonuses to babysitting, Deliveroo vouchers to doggy day care, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/\" target=\"_blank\">employee </a>benefits packages have got a whole lot more interesting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBV3TRBZO5B7VLP3B54KVQSDFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658209},"content":"Big employers use headline-grabbing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/money-matters/\" target=\"_blank\">benefits </a>to position themselves as desirable and to attract top talent. From carpooling to counselling, grocery delivery to co-working hub vouchers, some companies are even offering free babysitting to make sure knackered staff get out on date night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62RAMYQKBNAIDACXKDG4RDK3ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658210},"content":"But which perks are worth the most, and how do you make sure you are getting everything available?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIDZCAAFNZHOZEUQSYQ4LRZJF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658211},"content":"Benefit of age","type":"header"},{"_id":"RRC2Y6QEQJGDFNRP4II575HBX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658212},"content":"In addition to salary, good benefits increase an employer’s chance of beating others to the best staff. Some benefits are arguably aimed at a specific demographic only, leaving other applicants cold. This may be a strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FB5VLT3UOBDDJGOY7ZNDTA64GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658213},"content":"Would you be persuaded by seemingly generous doggy day-care vouchers and Just Eat delivery? These benefits signal that new hires can expect to be time-poor, unable to commit to mealtimes at home, or to responsibilities outside of work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AX47QJP4SNETPMMTY4MIJWPUEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658214},"content":"They are likely to be aimed at attracting those for whom the office can be dominant in their lives — they won’t require being away from it much.","type":"text"},{"_id":"57UWOIB6FNCNVGEMDZO4EZCY6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658215},"content":"If that’s where you are at, then these perks can pay off in the short term. A dog sitter in Dublin city for example is about €25 a day, or about €4,500 a year for someone in the office four days a week. Those travelling for business can expect to pay €35 for overnight dog sitting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYUYKDZ55FFKXIBUB5JJZFVKHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658216},"content":"If you’re offered food delivery credits as a perk, know that how you use them may be restricted. In October, staff at Meta in the US were fired for eating the meal at home instead of the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRG3PQBFVZEJ5EZM5XU7LIKHRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658217},"content":"Meta, like many big tech companies, offers free food to employees based out of its Silicon Valley headquarters. Staff in smaller offices without a canteen are offered Uber Eats or Grubhub credits, for example, for food to be delivered to the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTAZ5EHWNJGUNDVHRSMC5PXZZE","additional_properties":{"_id":"XUBEO63TBRCU3B4D5M6WZVQOBE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-55276","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NLU7K6XL3FDEXOCUE72UG6VUUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658218},"content":"They are given daily allowances of $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $25 for dinner. Employees who were getting the meals sent home when they were required to only eat the food in the office were fired. Some perks leave a bad taste.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFXVTJVPBNGTXIXBII2L3MKNSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658219},"content":"Less than one per cent of employers offer anything by way of childcare vouchers, says Trayc Keevans of Morgan McKinley survey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPFVQTFZMBCRVMH7R3XQGTFIYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658220},"content":"It’s your pension, stupid","type":"header"},{"_id":"JLMUWSHYABFYJJUDMUHUTPDW6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658221},"content":"What’s the benefit the employees in Ireland most care about? No, it’s not doggy day care that’s really keeping us awake at night, but rather how to pay for our lives once we retire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4FKZYLZGNAI5KSPUAEDO2GL44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658222},"content":"Pension tops the list of the most desired benefits, according to a survey of 3,400 professionals and 650 employers globally as part of a 2024 report by recruiter Morgan McKinley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNQDBZ4TFJGXPJWXQCKEECTN7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658223},"content":"“We are seeing employees younger than ever before actually looking at pension,” says Trayc Keevans, Morgan McKinley Ireland’s global foreign direct investment director.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMKBWNRJNRDO7DH34AZDNRU2MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658224},"content":"“It wasn’t as important before, but in the most recent survey, right across the board, pension was an important benefit,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TYXNTVL6BDGHHPQCTPIYR4IUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658225},"content":"By 2046, Irish men can expect to live to 85 and women to 89. So if you retire at the current State pension age of 66, you’ll have about 20 years of living after your last pay cheque.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VAJNP35AVEN5GFT65H2TFJYJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"KDI4EMLJCNATZFQD5JOGSZBHAA"},"content":"Has Fingal County Council found a solution to Ireland’s housing crisis?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"72W3SPPHTFGONFFIFJUSKW5CBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658226},"content":"If you start to save for retirement at age 30, on a salary of €40,000, you will need to set aside a minimum of 18 per cent of gross salary every year until age 66 to get an income of €2,000 a month in today’s money – and that’s including the State pension, according to Pensions Authority calculations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQLF4WA2URDVLGX2AOAVFU6DSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658227},"content":"With parenthood and home ownership happening later than ever, the cost of supporting children and paying a mortgage is now stretching past retirement age. Housing costs mean more people will be renting in retirement too. This is bringing employer pension contributions into sharp focus for employees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNOQTMA33BDM7FJXIAGKREWBTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658228},"content":"Don’t just ask a prospective employer if there’s a pension, ask about the terms, says Keevan. Some are only finding out when it comes to contract signing that the terms are less generous than their current employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"57V5HJTHJNA33KG2PESXPHZX4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658229},"content":"Know the contribution from your current employer at least get that matched, says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7MWW73QXNA3XOWXO7KFZTZ4IE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658230},"content":"Smaller companies will usually pay pension contributions of between 3 and 6 per cent, matching your contribution, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRGSJBPSEFHU5KCWPESJTCEHEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658231},"content":"“Standard in a midsize to multinational company would be from 5 per cent matching up to manager level,” says Keevans. “Above that, a company might make contributions of anything up to 10 or 12 per cent. The larger multinationals will go even higher,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQH5IMIAKJCHTINNC466LRYHB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658232},"content":"“The best pension I have seen was a 19 per cent employer contribution, with the employee being asked to make a contribution of 4 per cent, bringing it up to 23 per cent.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSCPVZU3UZCT7NFR7CADP74ALM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658233},"content":"Ask if pension entitlements increase as you climb the ranks. Employer pension contributions nudge up when you reach a certain age in some companies. Knowing this can help inform your job hunting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUEZLQEDBZFEDJINYPBRBUPI3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658234},"content":"Healthy outlook","type":"header"},{"_id":"KP365PCIMNEMNIKB55EG4DL5QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658235},"content":"Paid private health insurance is the second most valued employee benefit, according to the Morgan McKinley research.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4LMMXDV2FCMLFNV3SFSBKG6J4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658236},"content":"A separate survey of 1,000 adults by Dooley Insurance Group puts health insurance top of the heap with 56 per cent of employees prioritising it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3PW2XF4SNAMDEGIAKDRDPF3EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658237},"content":"More than three in 10 of us didn’t go to a healthcare appointment because we could not afford it, according to an Irish Cancer Society survey last month [November]. One in four, meanwhile, felt we must prioritise other costs over healthcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7WQQEC6OFFV5PUD27JTKHG6Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658238},"content":"With the average adult paying €1,685 a year for health insurance, according to the Health Insurance Authority figures, this is a valuable perk for your health and your pocket.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56DQYGNRWNCYJCBYCDNPDINHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658239},"content":"“We find at manager level and above, the policy covers the spouse and dependents as well,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGM3P2VG5JFO7JG7P6HCQ6LYDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658240},"content":"Families with two adults and two children can pay up to €5,000 a year for insurance cover. You’ll need to earn about €10,000 to pay for that out of after-tax income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTIZWEV7MFGE7DFSNA23X6KKZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658241},"content":"The cost isn’t the only benefit with paid health insurance, but rather access to basic treatment in a reasonable time frame. Almost two-fifths of people put off a medical appointment due to pressures in the system, according to the Irish Cancer Society survey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBZ56I4A3VH4FKQHNYXXV5SLAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658242},"content":"Work from home","type":"header"},{"_id":"FYWDFOZG4VFSPBEKB47GSUOSAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658243},"content":"Working from home takes the third spot as the most valued employee benefit, says Morgan McKinley survey. Remote working was also highly rated by participants in the Dooley Insurances survey, with 35 per cent placing significant value on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAZMAFDEWZFGZJINXYPGU2KYH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658244},"content":"Remote working saves on transport and clothing costs. Coupled with flexible working, it may even enable some households to save on before and after-school care. This can mean significant savings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCUNLYWP6BH33EMQHP3GDGRSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658245},"content":"Only about a fifth of those eligible are claiming the remote work tax credit, according to Revenue figures. The credit for a year averages about €40 to €60, so there’s no boon here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTCOIKQWNZCVXPARGMPKGIBFNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658246},"content":"The real pay-off is work-life balance, and job candidates are negotiating hard on this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVTYRB6YRRHPJJN5ZWBJ2YKE5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658247},"content":"“If they take a holiday in Spain every year, they might ask to tag on another few weeks and work from there, if that’s permissible,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W53245STJRHC3N5Z2DD266M5PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658248},"content":"“They are asking for a ‘work from anywhere’ policy in their contract that would allow them to do that. That’s quite attractive and we’ve seen a lot of people negotiate that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEPMSQHEVFE7LNRV3AU6NNR4KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658249},"content":"Companies are still grappling with how many weeks an employee can work out of the country, before triggering tax liabilities there, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7JY4F4LY5FFFDO5JUMB4GR7EI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658250},"content":"“Companies are tending to be quite conservative in guesstimating what that will be, the most we have seen is six weeks, but we see a lot of reluctance to it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RU7RVXWE5BR3BVYP4J7TLOF34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658251},"content":"Flexibility around working patterns remains a prominent request.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W52KXCE3XRGRDLPDCCF56UUINU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658252},"content":"“Somebody might be joining a company where the standard is three days a week in the office, but it’s moving to four days. They might negotiate to move it back to three, but that can be difficult in the current climate,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE25KZCDHVFU7DA6C3FFJNVYMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658253},"content":"New hires could negotiate an initial period of office time to get to build relationships and understand the culture, with that being reviewed, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWVTFDFVONGUVO3BHQOOP2GXAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658254},"content":"Bonus","type":"header"},{"_id":"U6IYO5MNHBDX3ALR3Q2MAGQHAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658255},"content":"Who doesn’t love a bonus? If this is part of the package, it’s important to understand what’s on offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH4NIYIMQJHMPB34AYZQPUF3T4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658256},"content":"“Is it tied to your personal contribution and meeting personal performance metrics such as sales quotas, project milestones, performance reviews or KPIs? [key performance indicators]” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LF3VQCYUVVA6XMC65X37O4ALP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658257},"content":"“We see some employers and if the company isn’t performing, there’s no bonus for anyone and if it is performing, then the individual performance piece is cleared for payment,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OOJD5S5MBC2XNYTWKBF6WH7RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658258},"content":"“The better you perform, the better chance you have of a bonus, but again, it tends to be predicated on the company performing first.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTIRX3BQ4ZEQFJQ5AQJTJDRSXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658259},"content":"Exceptions to retain top talent can be made, rewarding them even when the company isn’t performing, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZO2OYOF7NGHDLOQKFWW3U3PXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658260},"content":"If a new employer needs you to join pronto, but that means missing out on the bonus at your old job, then negotiate on this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKGES2VGFNDPJB632NYAXLDF2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658261},"content":"“They may pay you a sign-on bonus to offset what you are losing,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXQTBIGMCRHXJIOWQMVKZLE224","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658262},"content":"Share the love","type":"header"},{"_id":"EGZ5XPUKKJHTHJN3SOLWBTDPEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658263},"content":"Shares can be great, but only if you know what to do with them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TVZ65EAQVCVJMZXYBX7S27HZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658264},"content":"“In most cases, it’s a share purchase scheme that is offered. This is where you can buy shares in the company through salary sacrifice or bonus, usually at a discounted rate,” says David Looney or Alpha Wealth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2EX3UI335E6RCIAXFWBBOWO4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658265},"content":"Typically if these shares are held for three years, you don’t have to pay tax on the benefit, so the only tax due will be capital gains on any increase in their value if sold.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37GDJIRCYNGLXGT45UEBMSVSKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658266},"content":"Sometimes senior staff are offered stock options or restricted share units. Stock options are where you are allowed to buy a specific amount of shares at a fixed price in the future. If the share price is more than that price at the time you buy, happy days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5AUUF4XNXNE7RPZGZAPWWC6V6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658267},"content":"Options usually have an expiration date, so a perk like this requires ongoing review to assess if it makes sense to buy at a particular time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RN7IMAZRVBFBFJVUQSANYP6IIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658268},"content":"Share prices can go up and down of course, and things can change quickly. You may benefit from independent financial advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5B4PGM6JBAQLK63CCQK4NP37M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658269},"content":"“We meet clients with little in their pensions, large mortgages and car loans, little in other savings and investments, and then have hundreds of thousands worth of Google stock that they are too afraid to sell,” says David Looney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENH4Q2QNABDLNJC2IEXY26OHLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658270},"content":"“You can benefit from tax-free gains of €1,270 a year if selling, previous capital losses can be offset against gains too, but I would encourage anyone with a large amount of shares, six figures, to ignore this and put risk management above tax efficiency,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAE2UEZVGFFPRKZCV22IS7OT5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658271},"content":"Selling company stock and investing the proceeds in a more diversified way means all your eggs aren’t in your employer’s basket.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joanne Hunt"}},"name":"Joanne Hunt"}]},"description":{"basic":"Everyone loves freebies at the office, but not all perks are created equal"},"display_date":"2024-11-20T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pulling in top talent: Doggy day care, free lunches, pensions - not all perks are created equal","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GRGHXMNI5RQWYT3TMP3Z3SQCJY","auth":{"1":"99eb28469528e7a2abf37617b2adfab19615f1e8b775f860d9e4a00c37a6702a"},"focal_point":{"x":488,"y":295},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GRGHXMNI5RQWYT3TMP3Z3SQCJY.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/20/the-work-perks-that-really-matter/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"7PVFZQVPWNAGFE4B464DXVGC74","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":188,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/f5d607cb-7255-4668-9eab-816a5d0654c5/versions/1732050343/media/d7b47fd903514b13b8e19bdeab49356b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/20/aer-lingus-to-reimburse-pay-docked-from-pilots-during-summer-work-to-rule/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556726},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aer-lingus/\" target=\"_blank\">Aer Lingus </a>will reimburse pay deducted from some pilots sanctioned during last summer’s industrial action, it has emerged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIIHFAHIVREPNFV37KWOCZYU4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556727},"content":"The airline withheld pay from some pilots for their “failure to join” – a sanction used by airlines when a pilot does not show up to operate a flight – as they were complying with their union’s work-to-rule during the pay dispute.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JFCJ5IBSBDV7EZDI3OV7TBKR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556728},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ialpa/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Airline Pilots’ Association </a>(Ialpa) trade union told members this week that Aer Lingus had agreed to rescind the sanction and to reimburse those whose pay it deducted as a result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUNW4PMRNRFKFPUOIJ6JYIFBBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556729},"content":"A letter from Aer Lingus chief operations officer Adrian Dunne to the union confirms the carrier will remove the failure to join sanction and “reimburse the associated salary deductions”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJL4VHHRRZCJHG5LTUFR2FYY7I","additional_properties":{"_id":"56VBPOZZGVBWPEEJMOH63BCJPY"},"content":"Has Fingal County Council found a solution to Ireland’s housing crisis?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LY42CWRNVZH4JBITK3QCIV7FPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732050581632},"content":"Ialpa’s notice to members welcomed the gesture as “positive”, saying it would allow both sides to rebuild their relationship following the dispute. Mr Dunne’s letter acknowledges that the airline wants to show its commitment to a “reset of the relationship” between management and pilots.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUSNZPZJXRF7ZDW77ZLFGRINPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556732},"content":"A failure to join sanction is regarded as serious in the air travel industry as it means that a pilot did not turn up for a scheduled flight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JPPWLV5CYJFB7EH5MSAS4VK5WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"22OGGFLOFNGPHOL4OAZQNEXV7I"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-64948","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"LZSJHBD7TRBA7OU6ITSR2CBMOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732050581635},"content":"Payslips seen by The Irish Times in the wake of the dispute showed deductions marked “Industrial Action”. The amounts involved were up to €1,500, union sources said at the time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34KJW7CB25DC3F2GJY7FZKPC7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556734},"content":"Ialpa’s industrial action consisted mostly of a work-to-rule, which involved pilots showing up for rostered duties but refusing changes to those rosters and not working out of hours or overtime. The dispute ended in July when pilots voted overwhelmingly to accept a 17.75 per cent pay rise brokered by the Labour Court following several meetings between the sides.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRCADA4AFNGHTJMHAVCLDERVKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556736},"content":"Union officials raised concerns about the sanction and pay deductions when they debated whether to recommend that settlement to members, prompting the company to indicate that it would deal with the issue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4P7QVBFNFGOFJQ4DGGKPKGZW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556737},"content":"The pilots’ vote on July 18th ended a pay dispute that dates back almost two years to a claim lodged by Ialpa in late 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGZ4EA2HBFBXLCSW3H7GJ6UY7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556738},"content":"Aer Lingus this month confirmed that the industrial action cost €55 million with an unquantifiable impact on forward bookings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJZDHPDRCRA4BDY4GF4P7UPNOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556739},"content":"The industrial action ran for two weeks from Wednesday, June 26th, and included an eight-hour strike on Saturday, June 29th. The work-to-rule denied Aer Lingus the flexibility needed to operate a full schedule at its busiest time of year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFZ3MDNBH5BVJFKUVHKFCQDQV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556741},"content":"In response, the carrier cancelled 610 flights, 573 of them several days in advance of schedule, to preserve as many services as possible, hitting more than 90,000 passengers in all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K42SIHNWENATFPQYIRY3RZXP5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556742},"content":"Aer Lingus is one of several airlines due in the High Court next month to challenge passenger limits imposed by planners on Dublin Airport, where it is one of the biggest airlines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Barry O'Halloran"}},"name":"Barry O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Union and airline say they are working to rebuild relations following protracted dispute that hit flight plans of more than 90,000 passengers"},"display_date":"2024-11-20T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Aer Lingus to reimburse pay docked from pilots during summer work to rule","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QKSVDMZK5LUDPKBGQGZLZBENVE","auth":{"1":"59eeb0d3826a8db789c682dcc860215b332534865586505460e0169e6ae766e0"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QKSVDMZK5LUDPKBGQGZLZBENVE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Travel"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/20/aer-lingus-to-reimburse-pay-docked-from-pilots-during-summer-work-to-rule/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"E2CQD3CF2VEA7GBMRMFYMTGDAU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":200,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d4205303-e599-4adc-bebb-1ad4a42cdc67/versions/1732044851/media/cb2bb4cf9f7098eece6b4096fabadd9b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/19/sinn-feins-proposed-prsi-rebate-for-employers-unacceptable-misuse-of-workers-money-union-says/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YUV36VQ4BZADHKN3EGVPIDEL2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744102},"content":"A commitment by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> in its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">General Election</a> manifesto to provide PRSI rebates worth more than €640m to businesses “hardest hit” by national minimum wage increases has been criticised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) as “an unacceptable misuse of the money of workers”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUZJ6OUIFFFHVDRTJYY4SWFVMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744103},"content":"At its manifesto launch on Tuesday the party committed to a range of measures intended to appeal to workers and trade unions including a commitment to legislate for increased collective bargaining, the right to retire at 65 on the State pension and an update to the Unfairs Dismissals Act which it said would include an “effective deterrent” to employers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXVNDWS2NRCALEWQOUCCT4QX4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744104},"content":"The party also followed Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in committing to a PRSI rebate that Ictu claims would take money out of the fund intended to address greatly increasing future State pension costs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULWNYKTSHFFH5PIAR5BFYKTEHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744105},"content":"PRSI contributions are being increased over a period of five years so as to address the cost of maintaining the State pension age at 66 after plans to gradually move it to 68 were shelved by the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZC62NBWRFB4PHEZ27C7SIXFVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744106},"content":"The first increase came into effect on October 1st when employee contributions were increased by 0.1 per cent to 4.1 per cent. Over the next four years they are due to increase in stages to 4.7 per cent, ultimately raising an additional €1.6 billion annually for the Social Insurance Fund. Employer contributions, which are higher, are also increasing by the same percentages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJECW7GNPRGE7P3IWDMFD56VA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744107},"content":"The parties’ rebate proposal will, however, reduce the impact of the increase, something Ictu has criticised. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"63G77TU4AJGQLO4MPJ7BJDNVPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744108},"content":"“The three big parties are each committed to using workers’ money, their deferred wages, to subsidise the wage bill of low-pay employers through promises of a cut to employer’s PRSI or give a rebate of contributions already paid,” said Ictu’s spokeswoman on social policy, Laura Bambrick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7G35QCP2ZFG7XPR4KHCGFKAQ6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744109},"content":"“Employers in Ireland already pay some of the lowest social insurance contributions in the EU towards their employees’ future State pension and other contributory social welfare benefits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KSLB4SHCZCUJJU2P5QJW4LIJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744110},"content":"“Only last month, workers had their PRSI contribution raised to build up the reserves in the Social Insurance Fund to defuse a future pension time bomb. Now, we see that at the same time the average worker will have an extra €353.08 a year in PRSI deducted from their wages by the end of the next term of Government, employers will get their contribution cut or paid back to them in the form of a rebate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJUWVUJOABF45BKNDO6QXX4AJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744111},"content":"“This is an unacceptable misuse of the money of workers. The Social Insurance Fund is nobody’s election war chest,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XHCFR4YAVGQNM3IWGLJM4ITHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744112},"content":"Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment, Louise O’Reilly, has said Fine Gael’s decision not to increase the number of statutory sick pay-days for workers from five to seven as a “mean spirited” move that “will disproportionately impact workers on a low income”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ictu criticses proposals by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin to provide PRSI rebates worth more than €640m to businesses"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T19:28:46.281Z","headlines":{"basic":"Sinn Féin’s proposed PRSI rebate for employers ‘unacceptable misuse of workers’ money’, union says","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HJHKF7SDXZTIILW4BB3KBKXHO4","auth":{"1":"64c7916f612d5c616e2cbfa7830b36dc8cfbbbaba05c8e94a921498b199d1844"},"focal_point":{"x":469,"y":193},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HJHKF7SDXZTIILW4BB3KBKXHO4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/19/sinn-feins-proposed-prsi-rebate-for-employers-unacceptable-misuse-of-workers-money-union-says/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"OMAVOBZ4FRHGRB72XNJC5CJED4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":662,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d3c7d820-54c2-403a-8450-6a84cfe1ce31/versions/1731598984/media/9cb95a84ac6ecf2a3b493ad65b76ef8a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/19/career-breaks-planning-ahead-can-make-all-the-difference/","content_elements":[{"_id":"L3U43FHRXRHTXFETKNCDWLN6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056251},"content":"A career break can be a power move. A pause from work can help you rekindle your passion for the job, uncover a new career path or simply get on top of things at home. For those who are burned out, it can be sanity-saving.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KVBG6B23BGENFHRE3PFL23A54","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056252},"content":"Forgoing salary is expensive clearly but financial planning will relieve anxiety, enabling you to make the most of your time off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGEZEJKZ3BD67JHURLWAHCI3TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056253},"content":"You’ll do plenty of soul-searching before walking away from a salary, says career breaker “Marie”. With 20-plus years’ experience working with multinationals in the tech sector, she resigned from a director-level role earlier this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3JN2BTD6FCHVLB2LAJLNFFZRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056254},"content":"Taking the time to fully understand why she needed the break bolstered her belief that resigning was the right choice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3J55JSA7VNHXRPMROEXWRLB3WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056255},"content":"“I decided to take a career break because of burnout and because I was not long-term invested in the industry,” says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHBQG5M7JNAP5D7KA2XP27SXBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056256},"content":"“Understanding and really feeling the ‘why’ before you decide to hand in your notice is crucial, and will give you confidence to do it,” she says. “There will be a lot of people out there who will think you are crazy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSYN3JMKWNH2HHWO4YDONBJH3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056257},"content":"Nearly 62 per cent of employees have taken a career break at some point in their professional career, according to a 2022 LinkedIn survey of 23,000 workers and 7,000 hiring managers. More than a third would like to take one in future, according to the data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KP7HYSHXZGGRGEIVRFEODNVXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056258},"content":"Instead of being a CV taboo, impacting future employability, a pause in work can show you are intentional about your career and not afraid to back yourself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONRYG5BRY5A2TCWJVUNKKE4S3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056259},"content":"“We see women in particular leaving corporate life either to take a career break or start something completely new,” says Ciara Garvan, founder of learning and recruitment company, WorkJuggle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7CHLPXV75FMLGQEETWVPOTUWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056260},"content":"“People are living longer, healthier lives. They can potentially have two or three careers in them and a sabbatical [or career break] can enable that,” says Garvan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7G5HGAVF5BP7GL5EV6Z6Q2QCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056261},"content":"If you haven’t fallen completely out of love with the job, but need a break, exploring leave options with your boss can be a less financially punitive off-ramp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7UN2TGZGNBKVPKJKHDITIB3OY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GGCWMEREUNFBZMO6BJHYSCZTUY"},"content":"‘Will I be able to get back in?’ Women still face stigma over career breaks","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UFF2AE766NAOJKWTX5OTEJ2KI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056262},"content":"“Absolutely, check your company’s HR policy first,” says Marie. “Maybe you only need a month off, or a limited period like three months rather than quitting outright. If you feel comfortable explaining why you need time off, definitely have the conversation with your manager,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDUBRBUMSVGCPOJRHPPKBAXN3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056263},"content":"The pandemic brought a big shift in people’s priorities. Recruiter Adecco has since identified sabbaticals as one of the top five workplace trends. Workers are prioritising employers, like the public sector and charities, that offer sabbaticals, according to the Chartered Management Institute UK data, published in August.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMZ4J5K5XVBYTPEDKS4GDET5VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056264},"content":"Parents can avail of unpaid parental leave, taking up to 26 weeks off before their child’s 12th birthday, or 16th birthday where the child has a disability. Carer’s leave to look after a family member, friend or colleague is also an option. It’s unpaid, but your job will be kept open until your return. With enough PRSI contributions, you may be entitled to Carer’s Benefit during the time away from the job.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IU6EWGBYDJHA5MWHTD35HLFST4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056265},"content":"Squirrel funds","type":"header"},{"_id":"Y62U7EU5E5BC3BJXFSIVZK64II","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056266},"content":"Working out a financial plan can make you more confident about taking a career break, says financial planning consultant Daniel Hardiman, of Hardiman Life & Pensions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAYSMKDMR5EIDOVWDNAS5Q67OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056267},"content":"“If you break down the numbers with a financial planner, it will reduce the stress and anxiety of such an important life decision and enable you to enjoy your career break so much more,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFPSAKIWA5HMPPA6QVNWVX5434","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056268},"content":"He describes one client, earning €40,000 before tax, taking a career break for family reasons. “She was bringing in €2,600 a month after tax, but her childcare costs of €1,600 were eliminated. After this saving, the loss of income was only €1,000 a month and she had built up €12,000 in savings to cover that,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QODQ224O4RDIZP6INFISWL5C7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056269},"content":"Saving a portion of your salary every month before taking the career break means you can “pay” yourself while you are off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTZMKAXLCVG5XGOV7CRI6VFHD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056270},"content":"“Once I decided that the work situation was not for me, I saved as much as possible from my salary,” says Marie. “I set a target of how much I would need to support myself for at least nine months, calculating my average monthly outgoings, multiplied by nine.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESHVPDKK65DAJIV3OKXVX5SM7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056271},"content":"With a regular salary coming in, your spending can get flabby. “When you are working in a high-pressure job, expenses can easily trend upwards,” says Garvan. “Takeaways, meal delivery services and bottles of wine can all be necessary to make it through the week.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBUQIKDGCZCC7LTNCNADMNICBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056272},"content":"She took time out of work over 10 years ago. Being off work can means you spend less, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHDUHU3KI5A7RIYEQJNEY7SN3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056273},"content":"“By not working, you will claim some of your time back. You may not be so stressed that a bottle of wine on a Friday is a necessity. You’ll have more time to plan your meals and cook at home. Your [financial] ‘burn’ rate when working can be very different from when you are at home,” says Garvan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HN5X5FDV5A4LFVGM6FN4HSSEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056274},"content":"Use your banking app to calculate your monthly spending on “needs” and “wants”. Food, mortgage, rent and utilities are clearly non-negotiable, but scaling back on “wants” can save a surprising amount.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZEYHMPXKHREXRAQWXI3XVA7QMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056275},"content":"“Once I decided to leave, I reduced my outgoings and I have stuck to that,” says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4644EE4HVBL5MMSA3BQQOMURM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056276},"content":"“I reviewed and cancelled TV subscriptions and now use free trials where I can. I am more careful with food shops, making lists and rough meal plans. I reduced my coffees and eating out, I cut back on new clothes and shoes. I’ve taken one short holiday abroad. I joined libraries so I can borrow books. Basically anything that’s not essential to living or our wellbeing, I cut.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CMV3NYXVQFHZ3CN4HJICKAFI3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056277},"content":"Using comparison sites, she found better deals on electricity, gas, broadband and her mobile phone. “I checked when I would be out of contract and switched to better offers that would save me money.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TIEQ4NW2VFS7CW4QUHR5V4FRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056278},"content":"Those taking a career break should give themselves a six-month financial cushion, says Garvan. “Unexpected bills come in the form of things like [broken] boilers. If you have not allowed for these, your stress rates can go right back up again.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"USSINTLKKVBOZMQDN27UUNVGQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056279},"content":"With the average adult paying €1,685 a year for health insurance, according to the Health Insurance Authority figures, losing employer-paid cover can be costly. Company group schemes can be cheaper than alternatives, so ask the insurer about keeping that discounted rate before leaving.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WFJMA24MJGSHA2XYJMCKWU4KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056280},"content":"“We offer the opportunity to continue with the same cover when you leave the scheme for a career break,” says Irish Life. This can mean a valuable group scheme discount of up to 10 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6K4Q72CSEFBHHISWXFU3YVETJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056281},"content":"If you can’t afford the premium any more, regulations allow you to take a 13-week break in cover without the need to reserve waiting periods. Claims won’t be refunded during this period however, says Irish Life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTMX5TOQS5GZFD2TUBI5GY5J7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056282},"content":"If you are taking temporary leave, talk to your manager about continuing health cover while you are off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IPY5DURNVEB5K3PC2XCJDTRXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056283},"content":"Pension gap?","type":"header"},{"_id":"3BLVS3CNTNC6FIEJAJQZBVLKVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056284},"content":"If your employer contributes to your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pension</a>, resigning or taking some forms of leave, will nix this. While a gap in contributions can seem small at the time, the compounding nature of pensions means any gap becomes larger over time, says Irish Life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVG6SPLFLVF2RHSJY5VVDSSDOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056285},"content":"“Women taking time out of the workforce, usually for maternity or caring responsibilities, is one of the two main drivers of the 36 per cent gender pension gap,” says an Irish Life spokesman of the company’s gender pension gap research.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJIDMSNBM5DVXKOCJTF3WNLT6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056286},"content":"On the flipside, your time is valuable currency too. You’ll need to wager whether a future pension payout is worth the trade of your health and personal fulfilment now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIGPNYMEQZHANKMVWNMDSD6OFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056287},"content":"One way to counteract the gap in pension is to pay some additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) one to two years in advance of taking a career break or when you return to work, says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUCENBRMP5BP7OKLPPBEAAKTDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056288},"content":"“You get up to 40 per cent tax relief on any AVCs you make and this could make up for the lack of contributions while you are on a career break,” he says. It won’t make as much sense to continue contributing to a pension while you are off work as you won’t get the tax relief on contributions at a time when you are not earning income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMQSZEDQRNCT5FY4KO2SDUDHME","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056289},"content":"Those taking a career break to care for children under 12, or a person with a disability over 12, should apply for the Homemaker’s Scheme. This can bridge your PRSI contribution gap, helping you to qualify for a State pension, or get a higher rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP6HLIZLQBHZHF6VL4RNLY73C4","additional_properties":{"_id":"6FSLNACEJFCWJAU7DZCARYDSHY"},"content":"Returning to work after career break no longer has to be intimidating","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DKOHGGPZ4FDETBWWLSDSQLKT6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056290},"content":"If you’re lucky enough to benefit from a share scheme at work, the timing of your resignation will be important. “If you keep the shares for a minimum period of three years, you will be exempt from income tax and you will just have to pay capital gains tax if the shares rise in value,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KSSGNBBEZGMRGAEDYUARKQF5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056291},"content":"“I sold off whatever company shares I had and transferred the money into my job-quitting/career break fund,” says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGMYNAZZO5EU7FUUX7B4FNTDXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056292},"content":"Share prices in the tech sector in particular have risen significantly in the past 10 years. “Over a career of five to 10 years with a multinational, share options can result in a significant lump sum windfall that could fund a career break,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P5PBM7LHUZG5PFLJHUJH3BMA3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056293},"content":"“I would encourage all employees of multinationals to make maximum use of these share schemes,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFQKXZBKXJH3LPZB5WIPUT3AXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056294},"content":"Apply for social welfare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDE3AN34AVEXNMCZT3K4LMPBYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056295},"content":"If you quit your job, can you still apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit? The answer is yes, but you won’t get paid for the first nine weeks. After that, it’s paid for nine months for those with the requisite number of PRSI contributions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OTI2J3PQNGWZFU2MKV6QMQU5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731941712198},"content":"It is paid at a maximum individual rate of €232 a week through the post office. Apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit the first day you become unemployed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKF4U4DOX5FVPGH57CGCO7F3SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056296},"content":"Free stuff","type":"header"},{"_id":"5JLGV4YGZVDTLNQHLRLNVHRBPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056297},"content":"Stepping out of the rat race can mean time to explore new areas of interest and a chance to reskill. Or not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWK4IB67TRFTPPZMBULM4U2C3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056298},"content":"“If someone is burnt out, then a complete break is beneficial,” says Garvan. “Otherwise, we would encourage people to stay in touch with their network and push themselves to do new things. It’s a great time to upskill, whether as part of a bigger career move, or just for fun.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LYUL7PQ7JD3BJ7G4JNKYTJHCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056299},"content":"Living on a reduced budget, needn’t be an obstacle, says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTUXZJULQBD4HBZ7Z263RDWSNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056300},"content":"“I’ve taken up free adult education courses, Springboard courses and local free events and activities. I signed up to the National Library and Trinity Library, I check free exhibitions and anything that grabs my interest,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCUMDD3YRBCLRNRRZS7F3OMJII","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056301},"content":"Springboard provides free higher education courses to reskill people in growth areas. Examples include free postgraduate qualifications in healthcare innovation at Trinity College Dublin, or in sustainability and climate action at UCC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6TJ6FXPYJFR3M2GTKQIO4MTB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056302},"content":"“People have a number of careers in them and a career break can enable that,” says Garvan. “In terms of people who are burnt out however, we rarely see them re-entering the corporate space. Burnout can be hugely debilitating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Joanne Hunt"}]},"description":{"basic":"Nearly 62% of employees have taken a career break and a third said they would like to do so in the future, according to a LinkedIn survey"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Planning a career break? How to live without your salary and dealing with a pension gap","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CYQFI2PV3FDDHGFBJZ5V26HO7A","auth":{"1":"762078db4c6763c13d88a528831b49bf9acde300b1871b0507f5c84e823d7299"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CYQFI2PV3FDDHGFBJZ5V26HO7A.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/19/career-breaks-planning-ahead-can-make-all-the-difference/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"C2SUOPFKUBBDZDP2VTQZO7ZVXI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/swissport-compliance-manager-unfairly-fired-in-wake-of-failed-inspection-wins-44k/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3HMJOKEAHVFU3JJ37X6QLBZRII","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431644},"content":"Air cargo company Swissport has been ordered to pay over €44,000 to a compliance manager after its failure to follow “anything approaching fair procedures” when it accused him of misleading a State inspector and sacked him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BS2AYPSN4JHSDDQZATIKATDR7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431645},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Nicholas Collins, a veteran of nearly two decades’ “unblemished” service with Swissport, was unfairly dismissed in December last year after the company failed a security inspection by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) two months earlier.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQSYZXMJUBFRXKK6IY5SHFYDNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431646},"content":"The complainant told the tribunal he was subject to a disciplinary process after learning that Swissport had sent a significant amount of cargo through a facility during a 24-hour period when it was unvalidated by the Authority.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZULSG2OPJAITEUUXEVSJAEB4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431647},"content":"The tribunal was told that a Swissport facility in Dublin for which Mr Collins was responsible for regulatory purposes was subject to a full inspection on October 3rd last year – two days before its validation was due to expire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3J6FYH27VEJ7LF3OJK2MCMBT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431648},"content":"The complainant said the inspection “went well” – except that when the inspector asked to see written confirmation of security clearance for workers at the site, there were “issues” with eight employees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKLE65LJ7BDGXNELBE5NNXK7NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431649},"content":"The inspector then told him that she could not revalidate the business, Mr Collins said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RUYVYK66ND3LAPMRTWBFOV4HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431650},"content":"To deal with the situation and stay in compliance, management at the firm decided to stop dispatching cargo from the facility on Wednesday, October 4th at five minutes to midnight, in advance of the expiry of the IAA validation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMHTY7IKENH63FCR3EMNBUUHUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431651},"content":"A second IAA aviation security inspector agreed to come back to the facility and carry out an inspection on Friday, October 6th, and concluded “everything was in order”, including the eight staff security clearances, Mr Collins said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MUATRPYWNCLFKQAQD7ONDAEMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431652},"content":"However, during a warehouse walkabout, the inspector queried some cargo items. Mr Collins said he believed that no cargo had moved during the hiatus and told the inspector so. His evidence was that he believed the decision to call a halt to shipping had been “properly communicated” to the staff responsible.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7MOK6A35JGWNB3I3HO24QSWIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431654},"content":"He found out the following Monday on foot of a further query by an inspector that seven flights had gone out carrying cargo during the time the operation was out of regulation, he told the Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XC6TB4FNBHHPPK2Y4HQFKGD6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431655},"content":"In email correspondence the following Monday, the first inspector asked for information about cargo sent during the 24-hour period of the operation being out of validation, Mr Collins said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YFLPS42RWBCYRAQTOTFUFGE7G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431656},"content":"He said he passed the query on to senior managers, sought out documentation, and received “a bundle of forms which indicated that [Swissport] had sent a significant amount of cargo during the period when [it was] unvalidated”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X6Z5WNO5R5H3HJB2IAGJIVBETM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431657},"content":"Mr Collins said it came as a surprise that any cargo had been dispatched and that he escalated the information to a senior manager – who told him “not to send any response to the IAA” and informed him the company would reply “in due course”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5723NNBUZHUFM6TWAHFJY75NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431658},"content":"A series of meetings followed over the next eight days to discuss the operation’s failure in the revalidation inspection, Mr Collins said, stating that he had been asked to come along “to have a chat” as part of what he believed to be a “fact-finding exercise”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CG6CWWZGQZCOXIJGBPYEKNLZR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431659},"content":"He said he had “no knowledge” of how the cargo was sent out, but that he was told he “should have known” there was cargo going out the door during the hiatus because he had looked at certain logs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VULHJLAE25GELEN645H62V4J4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431660},"content":"He showed one of these logs at a hearing and said there was “no reference on those logs to any flight numbers or any record of the cargo having been booked on to a flight”. He said that process was done by clerical staff and that he had “no role or responsibility” in it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRI5NUSJR5EDZEVZLBACQFGQ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431661},"content":"Mr Collins added that if he had been told at the time that he was personally under investigation, he would have sought legal advice, since it was a “criminal offence” to give incorrect information to an aviation inspector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPUBQMTBI5COLKZCF2HJSGIE44","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431662},"content":"His solicitor, Claire McGuigan of Smyth & Son, told the tribunal her client received no documentation in advance of a disciplinary meeting early last December. Mr Collins stated he was never told his job was at stake.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAALX3OK7RDR3HNEQR425T3FPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431663},"content":"It was put to Mr Collins at the meeting that there had been a “breakdown in communication between the senior management and the cargo operations team” and that he “should have been aware the shipments left the warehouse”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EKMMCMXVVB4VCDU6FDDPH6LXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431664},"content":"The disciplinary panel chairman took the view that Mr Collins “acted wrongly and knowingly and misled the senior aviation inspector”, the tribunal was told, and Mr Collins was sacked on the grounds of gross misconduct, a sanction upheld on internal appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFEMNONKQ5HRDBBXIJ4XE7I7VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431665},"content":"Ms McGuigan, argued the process was “fundamentally flawed” as her client had been completely unaware he was the subject of an investigation and never received the investigation report which led to the disciplinary hearing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"22AP5KAOIFEKJHKZCNX5RTVGQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431666},"content":"Adjudicator John Harraghy noted that the representatives sent by Swissport to the WRC hearing last month stated that they had “no knowledge” of what happened other than what was stated in the dismissal letter issued to Mr Collins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PGYFXBD6FCXRDBNG2GLWFRE3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431667},"content":"A HR manager, Kelly Porter, said the staff responsible for the investigation were “no longer working” for Swissport and “were not willing to attend the hearing”. She said the disciplinary officer and the appeals officer were still employed, but gave “no explanation for their non-attendance”, Mr Harraghy noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TM67JLJXPZFHNFFDGVJCCM4FLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431668},"content":"He wrote in his decision that Swissport “did not afford [Mr Collins] anything approaching fair procedures” and “failed in its duty” to afford him his rights during the investigation and disciplinary process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSUHKFNNLJGY5CQCOITSFB4EVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431669},"content":"Mr Harraghy found the company in breach of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and awarded Mr Collins €40,000 in compensation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XNDRFK3WBC5NGYCYFQCG6H32M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431670},"content":"The tribunal awarded a further €4,443.60 – four weeks’ pay – in compensation for the failure to provide Mr Collins with a written statement of terms and conditions of employment upon his promotion to compliance manager in 2018. The breach of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 was conceded by the employer at hearing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"WRC finds that air cargo company failed to follow ‘anything approaching fair procedure’ after blaming company veteran for rogue shipments"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T12:40:15.086Z","headlines":{"basic":"Swissport compliance manager unfairly fired in wake of failed inspection wins €44k","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"F2SGXLFQC5HYRJGBYNSNGR7SQA","auth":{"1":"55d74770af90887862e7272d2d97ad631e854b435432dc411eca04c588b019e3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/F2SGXLFQC5HYRJGBYNSNGR7SQA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/swissport-compliance-manager-unfairly-fired-in-wake-of-failed-inspection-wins-44k/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"GLK52CEUHJB2HPXTGASBRBKEXI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":284,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6484d053-980f-42b1-ac1d-6431a0aa9c1d/versions/1731857213/media/85fc3c34e62d659324e0fb4f2f46c810_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/why-rudeness-has-no-place-at-work/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4FFGQFTKR5E6BLV6FZ7JFWIDZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599889},"content":"UK Tory party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kemi-badenoch/\" target=\"_blank\">Kemi Badenoch</a> is rude. That’s not my description. I have never spoken to the new leader of the Conservatives. It is a characterisation attributed to her by detractors and supporters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F2O4NKBRKVFT3MZU4EOBEJWH3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599895},"content":"On a television show before the party’s leadership election, former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns said Badenoch “came across as rude, like a school ma’am disciplining schoolchildren” and urged her to have “more respect”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEZEBTJ5BVAGBPT2MNJZYO4ASA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599896},"content":"Then, in a podcast interview, BBC political editor Chris Mason told Badenoch he had spoken to a few Tory colleagues, including supportive MPs, who complained of her tendency to fall out with people. She replied: “I don’t think I’m being rude; I just think I’m saying something that I wouldn’t mind hearing back ... I have to be mindful that I have a higher tolerance for things than others.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HOEGYJ5QVFB7DH4EBPD6BZOTYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274642},"content":"The upside, she said, was it meant she was better equipped to cope with “stress”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4D44MJPPRG2TGNOEVPBXY5BUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599897},"content":"The fact that commentators and peers have remarked on her personality could be viewed as sexist, holding women to different standards than their male counterparts. There might be some truth to that — women can be perceived as angry or aggressive when adopting a similar tone to men.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XR57EX3LSVHDLLHCNK54STRRXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274644},"content":"One study found women were more likely to be on the receiving end of incivility but also react “more strongly” to rudeness, particularly if it comes from another woman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSLOFFEOZFAQTBE4RQ74WXXMX4","additional_properties":{"_id":"4CILWU7X2ZFV3F5TUEYJBUMRJM"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"66N5ENHKNRGNXL53RENBKXQTHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599898},"content":"This shows rudeness can be in the eye of the beholder. Language and etiquette can be lost in translation. As one of the footballer players explains in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso comedy series: “Jan Maas is not being rude. He’s just being Dutch.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHPNY4AM7RFFFLBD4ULGVAH7WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274647},"content":"I recently enjoyed an Instagram reel entitled “Watch me get roasted at my colour analysis in Korea”, in which a woman is told different shades of reds and yellows variously make her “wrinkles more obvious” and accentuate her “beard”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3VMLYACKJHT5DFT5655C5TAVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599899},"content":"But while it might be subjective, it is fair to say that if even your fans make the same criticism, you probably have to accept it. Badenoch has, offering to soften her approach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AXOUCVVSVBGUDEH4H523CIFDUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274649},"content":"This is important not just because manners make the world go round but because rudeness can demotivate colleagues and lead to a dysfunctional workplace.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXAOGUGGDFECRE6HLRZVQ3PV7E","additional_properties":{"_id":"RIDRL52AUBCEVBWPRTTZZFB6F4"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-86726","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WZXHQ6QOAJDVJDM5E6DAWAU3DY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274651},"content":"Research published this year in the Applied Psychology Journal found rudeness diminished individuals’ performance and their ability to work in a team, which “may even have life-threatening consequences”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43BTL7OW7BDUVL5MWG66OZD3KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599900},"content":"As one woman told the Civility Saves Lives group, which promotes civil conduct and improves patient care in the NHS: “When I was involved in an acute situation, I expected that someone would be stressed and rude.” When that was not the case, she relaxed and “could focus”. I know which team I’d seek out for treatment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTR7U43H6NFN7INQE6DIOUZABQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599901},"content":"It is also contagious and particularly egregious when a negative tone is set at the top.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQWSP4G5NJEB3N6ENNQ576UGVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599902},"content":"For some, bluntness is a source of pride. They are straight talkers, shooting from the hip, telling it like it is. But when have the words “I don’t mean to be rude” been followed by anything other than a whopping insult?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMO2TKISABCCRE5QCIGNCVUGIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"X2GMHUVUOBHBVBQOPVPY736L5Y"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"TUDV7HCAWFFWTA2I6PGQN6Q7Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599903},"content":"It is a common misconception that such truth-tellers deliver much-needed feedback. In a LinkedIn post, Kim Scott, the former Google executive, wrote that this view was leading to the misinterpretation of her book Radical Candor. “Cartoonists keep illustrating it with some maniac yelling at others. That’s certainly not what I’m trying to say! ... Radical candour means challenging directly while also showing that you care personally.” She goes on to make the point that there is a “false dichotomy that leaves too many people feeling they have to choose between being a jerk and being an incompetent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWR34MLJWFG47PCAK56EY6NIH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599904},"content":"Does being rude and brushing off incivility from others make you better equipped to deal with high stress, as Badenoch suggested, signifying the trait equipped her for leadership?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GRLYFK3IBFTZF2EUS7TRDEHFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599905},"content":"Niels Van Quaquebeke, professor of leadership and organisational behaviour at Kühne Logistics University, who has studied rudeness, says that people “low in agreeableness might think they can weather stress better, but research suggests the opposite”. Not only do they create more stress, they are also potentially less able to self-regulate their emotions and “experience more stress”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSCEYI45XNDDJKNLFWNL2ZFAGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599906},"content":"Whatever the truth of Badenoch’s rudeness, it did not deter colleagues from voting her in as leader. Whether she will stay is another matter. — Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emma Jacobs"}},"name":"Emma Jacobs"}]},"description":{"basic":"Straight talkers take pride in honesty but can demotivate colleagues"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T06:10:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rudeness and ‘radical candour’ at work: Is it acceptable to be blunt with colleagues? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4V3X6MPJFJAONAXW7VZZRRHK3U","auth":{"1":"7d425b12fd49f3543c28c4162812692970150900ef9fc24d4935fd02d76ee035"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4V3X6MPJFJAONAXW7VZZRRHK3U.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/why-rudeness-has-no-place-at-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"GUWOSL7WKFG6LFZF5NPLTUK7UM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/management-at-bd-pull-out-of-talks-on-redundancy-terms/","content_elements":[{"_id":"GZ4AT7EED5HQRAQZRDPRJIYZNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894169},"content":"Management at the Becton Dickinson (DB) plant in Drogheda earmarked for closure have pulled out of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission intended to produce an agreement on redundancy terms for the more than 200 staff affected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7WIGBIJFZCVFNZ5A2R26QKQ34","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894170},"content":"The company says an agreement that industrial action at the plant would be suspended pending the talks has not been honoured and that as a result it can no longer engage with the process. It said it would refer the dispute, which has rumbled on since the closure was announced at the start of July, to the Labour Court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWT6OSDYVVF7VBLH6QOP3Y7FXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894171},"content":"One of the unions involved, Siptu, has denied any industrial action is ongoing and described the company position as “bizarre”. Sector organiser Andrea Cleere said the union’s members were “completely shocked and disheartened by this approach by the company”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYKYJQJDBVAN5LSYGSF5I442DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731888739999},"content":"BD, however, says daily production in November has been down 45 per cent on normal levels and a ban on overtime declared by Siptu remains in effect which, it says, has had a huge impact on equipment repair at the plant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6WPA52BGZEXNGJ53ETMQUKVQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731888740000},"content":"The dispute is about the terms on offer the staff who are to lose their jobs as a result closure, scheduled to be complete by 2026 as part of an international supply chain review.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SA57REVATFAKHIARFM76XZE74I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894173},"content":"It is understood the company originally offered terms of five and a half weeks per year of service ex gratia, capped at 104 weeks, as well as additional statutory redundancy of two weeks per year of service which is capped at €600, plus one additional week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCTIVYQXNJADLCPTJSLNPUIFSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894174},"content":"However, during a previous conciliation process at the WRC, this offer was improved with the new proposals including additional payments for an orderly wind down and to those workers with long service impacted by the 104 week cap.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYQI7CI7LREURJM2NE662LQ4JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894175},"content":"The union says the terms on offer do not match those provided during a previous round of voluntary redundancies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKFOXIMOWJESBPQOCPK6C74EUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894176},"content":"“Since the commencement of this process, BD has made every effort to negotiate in good faith to arrive at the best possible settlement for all those affected,” the company said in a statement. “We are extremely disappointed that these efforts have not been reciprocated by the trade unions who have been unwilling to cease industrial action at the site, which was a condition of entering the conciliation process with the Workforce Relations Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNOJDWLYDBFPRDAOBHIGF2EVZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894178},"content":"“We now anticipate that the matter will be referred to the Labour Court. Should that occur, we look forward to the adjudication hearing to bring closure and clarity to this matter for all employees at the Drogheda facility.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C32G2WJZCBBLBL7QENCWRTO4B4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894179},"content":"Ms Cleere said the union was “surprised” by the move. “Our members can categorically state that they are not currently engaged in any aspect of industrial action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWL6M5KMIJDZPHN5ATHDCPPDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894180},"content":"“We consider that the withdrawal from WRC conciliation talks and the suggested unilateral referral to the Labour Court is a bizarre move which has undermined the good faith under which we entered into this process,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company cites ongoing industrial action which Siptu trade union denies, describing company’s position as ‘bizarre’"},"display_date":"2024-11-15T10:57:26.439Z","headlines":{"basic":"Management at BD pull out of talks on redundancy terms","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DYT2CBHYWBZNWUXFL5R33WJZFA","auth":{"1":"149be41d7c233702eb37cf6efa92da850ecc29de20441fdc49f1eca8b0e0dd1f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DYT2CBHYWBZNWUXFL5R33WJZFA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/management-at-bd-pull-out-of-talks-on-redundancy-terms/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"DUQVUV4GMVFHRLU3QHX6TMB2N4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":231,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/226c144b-2fe2-4bdb-bf56-3f73ef847fad/versions/1731607188/media/46a516267023e1cd86b36f0c756c179f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/pension-opt-out-may-disappear-as-firms-look-to-sidestep-auto-enrolment/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QF4JNBH4D5DMBFJF6AJDBQLVWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585717916},"content":"Workers may lose the right to opt out of their employer’s occupational <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pension</a> scheme as companies look to avoid the administrative burden of operating auto-enrolment (AE), according to benefits consultants WTW.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCJCRGJBOZHQDGGXDW5GYR4F24","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759042},"content":"WTW says companies and their employees face “significant challenges” ahead of the introduction of Ireland’s mandatory workplace pension scheme, My Future Fund, at the end of September next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JWTKBS4FNREA7BOPCPDTBBCHDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759043},"content":"A survey of 100 mostly large employers across the State found that 97 per cent currently offer a workplace pension scheme. Yet, just more than a third make it mandatory for staff to join the scheme when recruited.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFQ7L2KRLNEVDAXEVYYHK3OHDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759044},"content":"More than half of the remainder say they now plan to make joining the in-house pension scheme mandatory for new hires, WTW said, “signifying a strategic shift on the part of employers in preparing for AE”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KK6RFSVZWZGCJIQHL5UCACH4BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601803858},"content":"“Our experience is that companies would like to have everyone on the same platform as engaging with offering both an employer’s scheme and the Government AE scheme creates administration and communication complexities, particularly given the significant difference in how both systems operate,” says WTW head of corporate consulting, Brian Mulcair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6TSAGMLGBBYPNPJXM4ZS52HHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759045},"content":"Employers will have to set up access to the State auto-enrolment programme from the end of September next year for all employees who are not members of any other pension scheme. That includes those who have opted out of an in-house occupational scheme, those working through a waiting period before accessing such schemes and temporary staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTFDW2FGGNGZ7MEFFCJLTIFYUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731600737610},"content":"As of now, 38 per cent of responding companies impose waiting periods before new staff can join their pension scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMYNUCZELZFDTJJ6MIBTK762NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731600737611},"content":"“Leaving those waiting periods in place will mean that employees will be automatically enrolled in the Government’s new AE scheme ... which will complicate pensions administration,” said WTW, adding that companies affected will need to review this aspect of their pension plan design.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAC3NKYG2ZCLNAGQPUNPZXYIQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731600737612},"content":"The administrative burden of AE, juggling dual pension schemes and addressing the issue of temporary employees were employers’ biggest concerns, all ranking well ahead of cost issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Y2LQBHH5ZFV3J77S7RPSQPAVU","additional_properties":{"_id":"VM46D3CK5ZH7PJUDBXJSFHTHEY"},"content":"Pensions: Uncertain times ahead of retiring workers","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4WNEZAERZFHFTLDDULTMHLYJOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601803863},"content":"Temporary employees may well find themselves enrolled in AE, Mr Mulcair said as “there is a lot of administration involved in admitting short-term hires in an employer’s scheme and then administering the small retirement account that will have accumulated”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLDYCANXZFD7LFPTQCJNM5DZ4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601803864},"content":"Temporary staff would also lose any benefit of employer contributions to their pension under a company scheme unless they are working there for more than two years, while AE will lock in the benefit of contributions from the employer and the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCI6QV53LZFU7FPNF56ANVZHYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759046},"content":"Auto-enrolment will see everyone between the ages of 23 and 60 who earns more than €20,000 a year and is not already a pension scheme member, automatically enrolled in the My Future Fund.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNECGA4AEFFZPDEK4K3BYZWAIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759047},"content":"They will initially pay 1.5 per cent of their gross salary into the scheme from their after-tax earnings, with that sum matched by their employer and the State contributing 0.5 per cent. That figure will rise by 1.5 percentage points for staff and employer, and half a point for the State every three years up to 2035, after which it will stay at 6 per cent, 6 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQFIYYWE5JCRPMG3G34LFP6YLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759048},"content":"Average employer contributions to their own workplace schemes – at an average of 7 per cent across the State – are higher than the level that will be mandated under auto-enrolment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AL7LSWW5HRFJNBHE2ABXY6WYVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759049},"content":"Employees signed up to occupational schemes will also benefit from tax relief at their higher income tax rate, which is more beneficial financially than the €1 for €3 State top-up under auto-enrolment unless you only pay tax at the standard 20 per cent rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQO3A5AMUZFZ5DCCWPY2QRPSDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759050},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VYXBY7WM5ZE4VAQKBKD4Z3VBCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759051},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Dominic Coyle"}},"name":"Dominic Coyle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Companies examining rules of existing workplace pensions to minimise duplication under My Future Fund regime"},"display_date":"2024-11-15T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pension opt out may disappear as firms look to sidestep auto-enrolment","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EYX3JUTPBBDQFHSN2HNAL5W6XU","auth":{"1":"cbd6e102fb843e13bc73b403cd96f63149a90ae4cfa4acdd56ad4210c1d83512"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EYX3JUTPBBDQFHSN2HNAL5W6XU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/pension-opt-out-may-disappear-as-firms-look-to-sidestep-auto-enrolment/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"IT2VDVJETNBL3HGPGKIYBYEXNU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":235,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/59d01159-1482-47ab-865f-ea69a537845d/versions/1731603262/media/fd7ef63b78eee8a69958b86255e17f7c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/14/dublin-hospital-chaplain-wins-claim-for-double-pay-on-sundays/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MMIHOWYYXZHGRFFQNAWO4A3Y3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862630},"content":"A hospital chaplain who found out he was meant to be paid double time for working Sunday shifts after nearly a quarter of a century walking the wards has been awarded €2,600 in compensation for a breach of his employment rights.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEJGGCDCNZG6DMFGQO3VBVNWIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862631},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) in Dublin was in breach of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 in its failure to pay a Sunday premium to Rev Liam Cuffe, who has been chaplain to the hospital since 1999.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBTG4YB7LJAI3CWKBYG3HW2VA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862632},"content":"The Fórsa trade union, appearing for Rev Cuffe, told the tribunal its client earned €5,431 a month in the post, which involved giving end-of-life spiritual support to patients as well as other duties. Although the contract of employment required the chaplain to work weekends, it was “silent in relation to the provision for Sunday premium”, the union submitted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WSGLJTKUNFB6DAZBFUIK36B5DI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862634},"content":"The Fórsa representative pointed to a HSE guidance document on terms and conditions of employment in the health service which addressed Sunday work. This stated: “An employee who works a ‘5 over 7′ roster [five days in a weeklong period] and is scheduled to work on Sunday is entitled to single time extra for each hour worked.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"REI55N574NFKJKDULNE32V44AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862635},"content":"Rev Cuffe wrote to the hospital management in June 2022 looking for clarification on various allowances, including Sunday premium pay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDZJBSDA6RGD3IZMWSNJ75TFZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862636},"content":"His Fórsa rep said there had been a “lengthy engagement process” culminating in his client being told it had been “decided” after correspondence with the HSE that chaplains would “get single time extra”, or double time, for Sundays, starting on November 6th, 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UBZ7JBR2PFHQTAXFGH2OZZ2VCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862637},"content":"The hospital’s position was that the Sunday premium had been paid to the complainant since that date in “good faith” and there was “no pre-existing contractual entitlement” to it. The extra pay had been provided for out of the hospital’s own funds rather than the HSE funding, which usually covered payroll, a representative of employers’ group Ibec, appearing for the hospital, submitted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5IICEDNXJCPNF3PJT7S2VSE2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862639},"content":"A HSE circular addressing the provision of a chaplaincy service stated that it “shall include nights and weekends” and stated that “overtime is not payable”, it was submitted. The language of the circular was “mirrored” in contracts signed by Rev Cuffe in 2001 and 2006, it was further submitted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIMZK7OSSZBQPCUTZP5RVNWLF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862640},"content":"The Ibec representative argued that the clause “naturally included Sundays” and that a premium had been “incorporated into his contractual salary”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZPJIFYYFND2DEROCM445DMIQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862641},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"XA6EB7N4WJGCPAXVSV43XLKYRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862642},"content":"Adjudicator Aideen Collard wrote that it was “incumbent” on the employer to make sure the chaplain was paid according to his contractual and statutory entitlements, but that it had been “guided by the HSE” in this regard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJDEBVDQSBHTHATMSRA3KUAFVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862643},"content":"She wrote that, as the hospital started paying the Sunday premium after receiving guidance that a premium “may fall to be paid”, she could not accept the contention that it had been a “good faith” payment and did not “constitute acknowledgment of a pre-existing contractual entitlement”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ADBWMIOO4FEKBA2IBXKIOU7LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862644},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNK7EL7UQRDBLFAJJ6AHVDFW7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862645},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNK7EL7UQRDBLFAJJ6AHVDFW7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862646},"content":"Citing a contravention of Section 14 of the Act, she directed St Vincent’s University Hospital to pay Rev Cuffe €2,627 for the breach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6WR64DI2FDG5MU25B3DT6BSWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862647},"content":"Ms Collard wrote that she considered it “just and equitable” to limit the compensation to the priest’s economic loss in the six months up to November 6th 2023, when he lodged his statutory complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VRLYWCDJXRDX7HKV6OH3F4JI6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862648},"content":"This was because there had been a “lack of legal certainty” about the contractual provision for Sunday premium, because the issue was not raised with the employer earlier than 2022, and because payments began as soon as the entitlement was confirmed, she wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"St Vincent’s University Hospital found to have failed to play premium rate to Rev Liam Cuffe"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T16:49:10.324Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dublin hospital chaplain wins claim for double pay on 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being allowed to slip away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRQFX7OYSVFGFGDCRNQ5DIM5AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599788},"content":"At an event to launch its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> manifesto, the union says stronger regulation should be put in place to protect people’s ability to spend at least a significant portion of their week working remotely where practicable and it wants the government to agree to trial a four day working week in areas where it might work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHHRIQ2OLRH2LJQTLSMP2UC4XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599789},"content":"“The way in which work is organised has changed enormously since the start of the pandemic,” said Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan. “We’ve had remote working, blended working, hybrid working, whatever we want to call it, and the way in which that has operated across the economy, I think, has been transformative.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6U7EL3VUZCJTLI77SM66N7LB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599790},"content":"“But let’s be honest, there is clear pull back into the office, you can see that in the traffic every morning. And I think we need to appreciate the benefits that were achieved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUCTD44SLRAU7FMAYKAVSMVG2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599791},"content":"“And we make no apology for putting the question of the four day week on the table,” he said. “It’s almost a century since we saw dramatic changes in working time and it’s only reasonable that we would look now and see, can we improve how work is organised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFGH5EU5YBE5FKPZWKDTVYG52A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599792},"content":"“What we’re talking about involved 100 per cent of the pay, 80 per cent of the time and 100 perc cent of the productivity. But obviously that’s only going to happen if we pilot how these things can be organised. Nobody is for one minute saying that there aren’t some areas that will be far more problematic than others tbut you have to start somewhere.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFJHNJYBWRCNVFV2UMVZOATXGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599793},"content":"“There are examples within the private sector where the four day week has been successfully trialled. All we’re saying is that we want the incoming government, to commit to sitting down with us and agreeing areas where we can trial it in the public sector”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DIGBI52OFZAYFKVJ5PJ3FCGCUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599794},"content":"The union said other key priorities during the term of the next government would be pay increases that go above the rate of inflation and investment in public infrastructure to address current problem areas, particularly in areas like health and housing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECZK3IFGLRGJ7ESIABIXR36E6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599795},"content":"Fórsa says pay this is a particular concern for young workers in the public sector with many saying remuneration for entry grades and slow increment related pay progression make issues like childcare and housing a huge challenge for many.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPZH7AYDUBCPJGYPIZEZLVOVYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599796},"content":"A survey involving just over 20,000 of the union’s members carried out by research company Amárach found 85 per cent said pay would be a factor in how they vote, 81 per cent would back candidates favouring increase spending on health and social services and 64 per cent said affordable childcare was one of their key priorities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Pay increases that go above rate of inflation among other key issues next government must address, says union"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T14:58:24.624Z","headlines":{"basic":"Hybrid working gains made during pandemic must be protected, Fórsa election document says","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XFBMXTRJDQZ3KYGVEET7KGZ6GI","auth":{"1":"22e68c5243336bcad7b9a01e817c2304993cc3ec86c347c7493865114379cdd9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XFBMXTRJDQZ3KYGVEET7KGZ6GI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2024/11/14/hybrid-working-gains-made-during-pandemic-must-be-protected-forsa-election-document-says/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"OLMQLXOIW5GGPBWRVSUG732VZY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":484,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8e27974b-7e9e-448e-9c3b-ced58a93692a/versions/1731490724/media/aa9bbe59758a5c31a1145c6d82a4fdeb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/14/surviving-a-shake-up-is-restructuring-ever-good-for-staff/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SNDAOEURZRDJZHLLSG3MJYTFQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600195},"content":"In a September memo to staff, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a>’s chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/andy-jassy/\" target=\"_blank\">Andy Jassy</a> laid out a list of symptoms of an over-bureaucratic company that will feel familiar to anyone working for a big business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VUTNOUCJJEIJCNOFQESO6JEH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600196},"content":"He described hindrances such as “pre-meetings for the pre-meetings for the decision meetings” and “a longer line of managers” needing to review decisions. He also suggested some familiar solutions: restructuring, delayering of management and flattening of hierarchy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ENSV5LO3FHFHOPVBTJRWVP4YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600197},"content":"Amazon is far from alone in its refocus on productivity. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mark-zuckerberg/\" target=\"_blank\">Mark Zuckerberg</a> proclaimed 2023 to be a “year of efficiency”, laying out his aim to “defragment layers” and, like Jassy, to increase the ratio of staff reporting to each remaining manager. Citigroup’s “Project Bora Bora” has sliced five layers of management out of 13. Companies including UK bank <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hsbc/\" target=\"_blank\">HSBC</a>, professional services firm Deloitte and consumer products group Unilever have launched restructurings in the past year. Nissan this week launched an emergency turnaround plan in an attempt to counter falling profits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJWNQLQDJFDQ7NVNZBINABHVKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600198},"content":"The announcements often hold great promise. “We’re cutting the bureaucratic processes and needless complexity that get in the way of us performing our best,” Citi’s Jane Fraser wrote in a memo in March. “After all, no successful organisation is ever static.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZPHHWMBUFBUPJSBBC2BG3FYSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600199},"content":"Many leaders agree. Untended, large companies do gradually accrete bureaucracy and cost. But Fraser’s mantra can be an excuse for chief executives, abetted by consultants, to push through repeat restructurings that can sow uncertainty across organisations and distract and demotivate workers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JQK7RRJMVBETAPHDE2UURN34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600200},"content":"Even when there are good reasons to restructure, a lack of proper planning can undermine any benefits, say executives who have overseen such plans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MOS3BJAENEBTG7KAMT4T4EAME","additional_properties":{"_id":"CMWGMSF4NZED7NVCUI2TVYNRRM"},"content":"Is there a ‘fractional executive’ in your workplace? They have advantages over in-house staff","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KBE4GLVBPRH2VGCZP66Y4XOEWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600201},"content":"Bosses will not usually publicise it as their main goal, but most reorganisations involve job cuts, often targeting middle managers, or occasionally – as in HSBC’s recently announced shake-up – senior layers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T46UTHZCPFCQ3OB627HU5ANMOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600202},"content":"Ashley Goodall, a former human resources executive at Deloitte and technology company Cisco, says change is “one thing that stops people from doing their jobs”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25APFINKL5HXXLQKNKFBDIK4QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600203},"content":"For his book, Goodall interviewed dozens of people who had gone through reorganisations. They testified to how poorly explained restructuring, and the consequent uncertainty and lack of control, had a negative psychological impact even on those who kept their jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2MYAYYOBZEUDKEBTLPL4QADAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600204},"content":"He says few companies are genuinely in such trouble that restructuring is unavoidable. “Very often we attach to the story of the CEO coming in, [the idea that] ‘this thing is going down the tubes unless you take serious action’. But that doesn’t justify all the parallel restructuring being done for reasons other than actual survival.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSD3QCIG7NCE5O4SNBPOIWVS2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600205},"content":"Goodall says many of the restructurings happening now “will give you a headcount reduction target and you figure out where these people are going to come from and what the organisation will look like afterwards”. He warns: “There isn’t a degree of co-ordination across the organisation. It isn’t a designed process.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOK5DMI6J5G4RHEQBNOWAD5NHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600206},"content":"On the other hand, a more thoughtful approach, which prepares for the potential human and organisational consequences of job reductions and cost-cutting, can pay off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7MMSO4E3VB5LH4NY23RCGRDHU","additional_properties":{"_id":"JJDOKCGSOFBQXFMIOUDKYRWI7Q"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"AXUDP26ZUNDXRNE3VZED5AANWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600207},"content":"After the Australian government renationalised Telstra’s fixed-line telecoms network in the early 2010s, the group needed to restructure and resize itself to match its lower revenues. On the surface, the goals of the group’s Telstra 2022 programme sounded like other such initiatives: to simplify, cut costs and headcount, and reduce layers of management. But Alex Badenoch, the HR executive given the task of leading the plan in 2018, says cost reduction – or “cost-out” – was a “byproduct, not a primary goal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4W2IDN4ABAUFPBIJJ6WWIRBQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600208},"content":"“When you look at a lot of announcements about delayering, it’s often done as more of a blunt instrument,” she says. “Flattening” hierarchy, even if it starts with the goal of giving more responsibility to front-line staff, can lead to an increase in managers’ direct reports and workload. “The cost-out is often unsustainable,” says Badenoch. “Twelve months later, they have rebuilt the costs back into the business because they didn’t change the way the company was operating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MH5IRZYT3FGS7NAZUTUSFYPKGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600209},"content":"Learning from previous unsuccessful restructurings, Telstra sought to simplify its processes, and remove duplication of activities, so it was not just “doing more with less [staff], but doing less work”. To ease the unavoidable uncertainty, the group explained to staff how it would achieve its goals and over what timetable, scheduling “change windows” when transformation would take place, so employees could prepare. “When you think about change, it’s often very opaque,” says Badenoch, “but this was a clearer story that everyone understood.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUVEUJ7JWFDTPOIUIKWH5TMMLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600210},"content":"Careful design is also needed in another case where restructuring may be inevitable, after an acquisition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DUJYNPSIBBUXAR3KRFEKUQS3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600211},"content":"Less than three years after US wireless carrier Sprint bought rival Nextel in 2005, the buyer had to write off nearly 90 per cent of the $35 billion (€33 billion) price, largely because of a botched integration. Academics Baruch Lev and Feng Gu describe in their new book how the merged companies closed service centres, just as they were most needed by confused customers, and put all positions up for competition between staff. The best employees quit; the mediocre stayed. Lev and Gu’s research shows that the most successful acquirers retain key staff and on average enjoy an increase in headcount after the deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCFYNYUVCBHE7IQKNMK7EUVWPE","additional_properties":{"_id":"J5MJT3NDZBC7FCONMXHNDYF62Y"},"content":"Taking voluntary redundancy or getting laid off? You need to know about your tax, welfare and pension options","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XJJ4X6CE7ZF6RLH2IRYNY4WVBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600212},"content":"Lev says the same “adverse selection” flight of talented staff can afflict troubled companies that mishandle internal restructuring. The only consolation is that a well-handled reorganisation is less risky than dealmaking, which Lev and Gu find has a failure rate of 70-75 per cent. “If you buy a company, you have to buy everything and pay a premium for it,” says Lev. “[With] internal reorganisation, you do it slowly and [at] the first sign that something doesn’t work, you can stop it and reverse it or change it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBWVO53EEJDT7GROXZGJ7HJJZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600213},"content":"Careful restructuring can present opportunities as well as dangers. Diane Gherson, former chief human resources officer at technology group IBM, says the flattening trend is now giving way to a networked approach, which frees managers for new roles. Internal communication tools such as Slack allow staff to request help on projects directly from other departments, rather than going through the management hierarchy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMHCGVOOGFETPBW2Q6KPXHGIHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600214},"content":"Telstra also took the opportunity to remodel the system, while simplifying its structure. It created two types of manager. “Leaders of people” are responsible for a specific “chapter” of similarly skilled staff. “Leaders of work” manage projects and staff them from the chapters. Gherson and London Business School’s Lynda Gratton acclaimed this as a “bold experiment” in an article in Harvard Business Review in 2022. Almost two years since Badenoch moved on from Telstra to apply her knowledge as a consultant and non-executive director, she believes the system is still working well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5W4HZ4IXGZELRI6M3SSQMM6FIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600215},"content":"It is too soon to see whether the programmes under way at Meta, Citigroup, Amazon, HSBC and others will reshape the work of managers left behind as radically. Badenoch believes companies bent on restructuring should certainly be trying to adopt a more rounded approach that looks beyond the potential cost savings that delayering could achieve: “My question for Amazon is: what are you changing about how you work to enable that [increased staff-manager ratio], because there’s a limit to people’s capacity to just take more and more direct reports, if you’re not changing anything about how they work or the volume of work?” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Andrew Hill"}]},"description":{"basic":"As companies from Amazon to Citi overhaul management, experts warn that savings from job cuts can be overtaken by unintended consequences"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Surviving a shake-up: is restructuring ever good for staff?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UEIYI46TUVTLTYCMFPFRCPSZHY","auth":{"1":"27831b4c2c77429768d0ef56f8b764e82ecd29807fcf4cc323d8a49dc2943a30"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UEIYI46TUVTLTYCMFPFRCPSZHY.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/14/surviving-a-shake-up-is-restructuring-ever-good-for-staff/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"TU2IW7A7JZAP3AB2ES2Z4MCGYA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":195,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/684df442-ff32-4aaa-adab-c8315fa1c83e/versions/1731431244/media/fcc917b55130ff19bba3d89ece8985a8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/13/irish-chefs-return-to-the-kitchen-in-post-covid-bounce/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2HZOVFOZQJGT5LP5URXFNDQ5PE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886948},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/food-month/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish chefs</a>, long suspicious of gruelling kitchen culture, are returning to restaurants more readily following a post-Covid shake-up of the industry and working hours, new research has indicated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXT3GRAL5ZCGFACOCQVX3HZNAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886949},"content":"An extensive survey on recruitment and retention in the hospitality sector, conducted by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/failte-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Fáilte Ireland</a>, has found that while finding staff is getting easier, workers are more likely to complain about their relative conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6L62HUGT6FHSPDVKLR2LXLTTRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886950},"content":"However, for the restaurant trade, long-standing issues around chef recruitment have fallen away dramatically — 57 per cent of employers reported “considerable difficulties” this year compared to 88 per cent in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QZCSSPBQP5DZTEJKYZF344LJT4","additional_properties":{"_id":"PDFLAHOUZFH45CAUEFR6IIHZLY"},"content":"Peter Caviston recognised for lifetime achievement at Good Food Ireland awards","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SKZYGYK2QZEQNDAEY4TFSIRIXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There is more value probably being placed upon them by the industry,” explained Fáilte Ireland’s head of research Caeman Wall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WIVXPPZYPZHZNMTIAAV6DDFE2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886952},"content":"“More consideration is given to flexible working and avoiding burnout. You watch the TV shows and it’s all about screaming and roaring in the kitchen and that’s the way it would have been in the likes of Gordon Ramsey’s day but that’s not the kitchen you would go into now — it was toxic then but it’s been called out as toxic now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XSAK7WSGRFU3JGX2IEBR23JOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886953},"content":"Director of sector development Jenny De Saulles said the Covid pandemic had allowed businesses to reconsider their models, leading to changes in kitchen operations, notably with fewer working hours and less fatigue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNDAL2JFXZDTTDIAZNRMN2WQHY","additional_properties":{"_id":"BQGX2BVB5BA5TBIGVB2OVMYBXE"},"content":"I stepped back from the restaurant business two years ago. Here’s why 600 other closures have followed","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"D4BBAHWKKNB3RHE6YH7XRNSD3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cheffing roles are classed as “showstoppers” — businesses cannot run without them — but recruitment in hospitality is far more widespread.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6E3TGPP25BPXIHFT2OTNXWKCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886955},"content":"The research, which surveyed 673 employees and about 600 businesses and was published on Wednesday, found overall recruitment has become easier due to measures taken by employers, although challenges persist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYRQTGO6MRAW3PEF47XVHSYNTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"MFR7PHOXCNDUJL32UWN3ZRIDWA"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-98388","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5NC6QSBA6JDY7C25M4R5SHEYFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"While perceptions of regular pay have improved, workers feel additional compensation for unsocial hours has stagnated. That is in addition to other worsening impressions among staff who have reported more recent declines in confidence regarding long-term career opportunities and career progression.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5Z4KROPGRBRFD3L52EFT7RLGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886957},"content":"“There remains a significant divide between what employers say they are doing and what workers perceive to be the case,” the research noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSIJ66MSBBGLPBKA3FXJDSRROE","additional_properties":{"_id":"F757GV6GZZFSVE2XDCRAK32KKY"},"content":"Here are 33 places to eat in Ireland that readers say are good value","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CUOVAAL46BECPNMOCDD3NAU7EU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Recruitment concerns have eased dramatically across 13 key roles — in the case of waiting staff, employment problems have fallen from 62 to 17 per cent over the last four years. Unease surrounding the retention of staff has followed a similar pattern.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3FBCTFIKFBCHGUNICYZ4OJLBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886959},"content":"However, staffing shortfalls have led to a “negative impact on customer experience” according to 60 per cent of participants and continues to be an issue, peaking among accommodation operators. It has often led to curtailed opening hours and reduced menus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34NEDOQGE5BEDLIEFJJKU2O4P4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886960},"content":"While other operating issues have come to the fore in recent times, most notably the industry’s VAT rate, the potential consequences of understaffing have also softened — just 14 per cent of businesses now believe it may force closure compared to 30 per cent in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mark Hilliard"}},"name":"Mark Hilliard"}]},"description":{"basic":"Fáilte Ireland research has identified a softening of difficulty in filling key hospitality roles, although staff concerns linger"},"display_date":"2024-11-13T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish chefs return to the kitchen in post-Covid bounce","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TYLXZK4QVVA2JCWWTZOXYQY5LA","auth":{"1":"32c7d46a69f080376ac7f728877d792f4bf6825a7b2ef5875c2a9ff5c4d9b8bc"},"focal_point":{"x":513,"y":367},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TYLXZK4QVVA2JCWWTZOXYQY5LA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/13/irish-chefs-return-to-the-kitchen-in-post-covid-bounce/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"GNK2AMB7ZFB7XJ7YXHG5CDP7MY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/12/autistic-cinema-manager-wins-12000-over-discrimination-in-roster-row/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IKZZD6JMAJASRBLX4DKBAWQ34E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546433},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX4FDNVMVRA27I46IXJ7TJKPNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546434},"content":"An autistic cinema manager who quit when his employer was unable to guarantee him two days off in a row following a months-long dispute over rostering arrangements has secured €12,000 in compensation for disability discrimination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XX7MMVOQRNEIBEEUNLOG5OPIHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546435},"content":"The complainant’s wife gave evidence that her husband’s manager said she “did not consider autism a disability, but a ‘superpower’,” a remark which the general manager denied making, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MFFQSWVUNCJFKE2KYYVJ7FUMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546436},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ordered Omniplex Cork Ltd to pay the sum to Dylan O’Riordan on foot of a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 after ruling it had failed to give reasonable accommodation for his disability.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEAI7CGIGNCIRMDPU6H7ABZS6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546437},"content":"The award was made after the tribunal heard the company was in the practice of “arranging suitable shifts” for students and pregnant workers – but made “no such accommodation” for Mr O’Riordan despite an occupational health assessment stating that he needed consistency and rest in his working week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAKL46NZV5BH3FTKCOVDI6QNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546438},"content":"Mr O’Riordan told the employment tribunal that he had suffered a “significant deterioration” in his mental health in his last months at work as a duty manager at the cinema in late 2023. He had been promoted twice since he was first hired in March 2022, but said he had reported having “severe difficulties” to his manager “on many occasions”, he told the tribunal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXR4UXLRWZBV3M7TTWZZ3B32AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546439},"content":"The tribunal heard that on a date in October last year, after a projector broke down at the cinema where Mr O’Riordan was in charge, the complainant informed his general manager that his shift was ending and he “would not be staying to assist”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNAH4UEIFVEYHPABIJCMOIU4WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546440},"content":"Ibec official Niamh Ní Cheallaigh, appearing for the employer, submitted that the general manager expressed concern for Mr O’Riordan’s mental health, referred him to the company employee assistance programme, and suggested he seek medical advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGJGNJP7XNGL5LF7L45CLD3JTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546441},"content":"In further correspondence that month, Mr O’Riordan pointed out that he had been rostered for five upcoming closing shifts, followed by one day off and a further four closing shifts in a row. He informed his employer he would not be available for the next four days and that he would be seeing his doctor, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSLA4N2Q4RBI7IW6LCY7BFWO6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546442},"content":"Mr O’Riordan then commenced a period of certified sick leave which continued from 28th October, 2023 until his resignation on 6th June, 2024, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JVI223GKZBTBK2NQMM7F7OQ54","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546443},"content":"The complainant’s wife gave evidence that she had spoken to the general manager the previous month and expressed concern about her husband “not receiving adequate rest periods between shifts”. She said the general manager’s response was to state that she “did not consider autism a disability, but a ‘superpower’,” the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVUNMS7ZUJA27FZQO7ECEAKK6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546444},"content":"The complainant’s wife said the manager’s intention might have been to highlight “positive aspects of autism” but that she considered the alleged remark “inappropriate” in the context of her husband’s difficulties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCBI54KBHJHQFI4Z5FVABIM2GI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546445},"content":"The general manager denied the remark and said she “only ever had [Mr O’Riordan’s] welfare at heart”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5NU4A3P2RA7PA5XSHEKDC5WKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546446},"content":"A meeting between the parties in November 2023 failed to resolve matters, with adjudicator Gaye Cunningham noting that there was “some disagreement about the minutes”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHWFP44YVNFONHENRC7IL4SGL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In January 2024, Mr O’Riordan reduced a series of grievances to seeking “consistent scheduling”, “two days off to rest and recover” in his working week and to be not rostered “exclusively” on closing shifts, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEUAR5ABZREWPEX4BRWGCKZ46U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546447},"content":"An occupational health assessment was done on 29th January, 2024, Ms Cunningham noted, writing that it set out a “clear” requirement for “consistency and rest” in respect of Mr O’Riordan’s working week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPJL5W75WBDV5HQZYP24YS3LTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546448},"content":"From February to April, Mr O’Riordan and a human resources (HR) manager exchanged correspondence on rostering arrangements, but failed to reach an agreed position. He then commenced a statutory complaint by serving notice of alleged discrimination on the employer in April before resigning his employment on 6 June this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5J437NNVVFB57NTQOMNFFWZQZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546449},"content":"In her decision, Ms Cunningham wrote that the claimant had raised the inference of discrimination because even though it was common case that “pregnant employees and students” had been accommodated in rostering arrangements there had been “no such accommodation” for Mr O’Riordan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LKG6FQQ43ZFMLMCJNZB3LSGBX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546450},"content":"She noted the efforts of the company’s HR manager to come to an agreement over a “lengthy period”, but said that Mr O’Riordan’s situation “was not fully addressed” – noting in particular “the absence of certainty in relation to two consecutive days off”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFGMQG6Y7JATRAUCWM2XX5OHB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546451},"content":"Ms Cunningham upheld the complaint and concluded the company discriminated against the worker on disability grounds by failing to provide reasonable accommodation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3W6M74UMOBAWNAPCPUE2L772AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546452},"content":"She ordered the firm to pay €12,000 in compensation and to hold “awareness training or workshops in an effort to introduce a positive management approach to staff with neurological complex conditions such as autism”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Employer unable to guarantee two days off in row, WRC told"},"display_date":"2024-11-12T15:40:26.655Z","headlines":{"basic":"Autistic cinema manager wins €12,000 over discrimination in roster row","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM","auth":{"1":"88240aa4194253806c0e75b146baf5726c501e4e6b332068ffa6f2a3afd81637"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/12/autistic-cinema-manager-wins-12000-over-discrimination-in-roster-row/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"IBX6EUD3CFEETE5AEQ63XUHVKE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":458,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/e622424b-b994-4569-9b4d-295c12fec829/versions/1731089066/media/36734909d6cf44e043997e195606dbdb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/12/vouchers-commuter-tickets-and-bikes-how-employers-can-help-their-staff-save-tax/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TKHCHOUU6VB2NO4V3XEC5UN3FE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131550},"content":"Who doesn’t want to pay less tax on their income? There are a few ways you can go about it. And, thanks to an amendment in last month’s budget, those who get an end-of-year bonus – or one at any time of year – will be able to keep more of it from January of next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UAYZ6DTG5VALNKHQWO75U7KOJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131551},"content":"But what if you don’t get such a bonus? Whether you’re entitled to a payment of some €1,500 or not, many of us may now be thinking: can we use this latest increase to reduce our overall income tax bill for 2025?","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAW4W2TYZNFSPPNGTGDPNXLYFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131552},"content":"Here, we take a look at how the scheme works.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATW2ZVFAZZCJBDZKEQ25U4TI7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131553},"content":"Small benefit exemption","type":"header"},{"_id":"IK2HLRK2JZFM5I4JW6YPRWR5JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131554},"content":"The small benefit exemption has long been used by employers to make a tax-free gift to their employees. It’s an attractive proposition, given that a cash bonus will incur a tax rate of some 52 per cent. During years when long-term wage rises were scarce, it was also a method employers used to try to keep staff onside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHOZOZGTZRGP5EWM6YX7JC5PZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131555},"content":"Approaching year end, many employees will be banking on this scheme to boost their spending power over Christmas – and pay for the gifts, booze and food that this season seems to demand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VWR3ZCB7VHHJL7GUVFQMLH2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131556},"content":"The key with the scheme is that, to avail of the tax relief, the benefit can only be used to buy goods or services, such as through tax-free vouchers or cards; it must be tangible. “They cannot be redeemed for cash,” says Revenue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG4UGOWIXBEQPGLCKFIKQNUFAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131558},"content":"Not so long ago, the exemption entitled you to just one tax-free gift of €500 a year. This changed in 2022 to €1,000, which could be paid out in two payments. Now, from January 2025, it has increased to €1,500 – and the benefit can be paid out across as many as five separate payments during a year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLCYZ5QULVAUJNVACGB3N3HYHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131559},"content":"In what may be a sign that the most recent increase was a pre-election softener, a deadline has now been put on the scheme: 2030.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNZZO7VEFJFO5HFUKQIUBO6N3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131560},"content":"Until then, however, it’s likely to be attractive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHOSJJ7EPRAFBDKVYM7QLNXKW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131561},"content":"Given the current “challenged labour market”, Liam Kenny, a tax partner with RSM Ireland, expects there to be take-up among employers of the new increase, as it presents “a tax-efficient incentive for employees”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"47EBV3I2GFDDTDICGRIWYXYDV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131562},"content":"As he points out, someone paying tax at the higher rate of 52 per cent (including PRSI and USC), would need to earn €3,125 in order to get to keep €1,500. So the benefit of the voucher is higher than just its face value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Q3XO64OK5FSZHI6RPR233BR2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131565},"content":"As mentioned, to get the tax-free benefit, the bonus must be in the form of a tangible asset, such as a gift card which cannot be transferred into cash. Revenue is quite strict on this: if you are gifted a card, such as a disposable credit card, which can be used to withdraw funds from an ATM, it won’t qualify for tax relief.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YV3YDAKLJEOHMNHLVHDQQAQZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131567},"content":"“As the gift card is redeemable, in full or in part, for cash it will not be a qualifying incentive for the purposes of the small benefit exemption,” says Kenny. Of course, you will find some vouchers ending up on a resale site such as <a href=\"http://adverts.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">adverts.ie</a>, as the owners look for a cash value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQF7QKX7QVGIDOCMRZZBQLUUNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131569},"content":"One thing to watch, notes Kenny, is where an employer inadvertently exceeds the benefit limit to an employee. In addition to the typical voucher, other benefits to employees, such as flowers for a wedding, or a hamper at Christmas time, may come under the remit of the scheme. These would then erode the top threshold of €1,500 a year, which means that someone getting vouchers of €1,500 may end up with a tax bill on part of the “bonus”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGIARZ3AUBEJ7CB2QFDQ3WMHAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131570},"content":"“It’s important for employers to carefully monitor how many benefits they give,” says Kenny.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FF7W55V7ZRB5FP7SMFKHMIOLCA","additional_properties":{"_id":"L5NY2NP4QBAX5NVZBBQUIR6W4Y"},"content":"Budget 2025 Q&A: Your PAYE tax breaks, mortgage relief and employee gift limit queries answered","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4BX3T2EWRJCDDKYHO7SY3C6Y3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131572},"content":"If you get a bonus in excess of €1,500, you might wonder whether or not you can get a voucher for part of the payment. Key to this will be whether or not the voucher part of the payment is deemed to be discretionary or not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQNJNL4PBRE3VJO5PPUUEV33BM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731081273588},"content":"As Kenny notes, “pretty much anything in a contract is a taxable emolument”. So, if your contract states you’re entitled to an annual bonus of €5,000, for example, this would be outside the scope of the small benefit exemption.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBV2LD7S75BVRO2DRHB6FB5JMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131574},"content":"If, however, such payments are offered at the discretion of your employer, you might get €1,500 through the voucher, and the remainder through payroll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQ5ZT2L5VBBMJNFKGQR5ZGKJEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131576},"content":"Let’s say your employer typically gives you a payment of €1,000 a year. Can you carry over the unused €500 to be used another year?","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTSSH6NSNRC4PMM6FX435TCQRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131577},"content":"No, says Revenue. “Unused allowance amounts cannot be carried over,” it says. It is offered on a “use it or lose it” basis, Kenny says, again stressing that it’s at the discretion of the employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKNFFDVV65FOVMWA5TKMQUXEKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131581},"content":"But could your employer reduce your salary by €1,500 and give you this shortfall by way of tax-free vouchers? Doing so could save a standard-rate taxpayer some 20 per cent and a higher-rate taxpayer 52 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUUGXQMD7RF6JOMSR2Q3IDHZSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131582},"content":"Unfortunately, Revenue says no.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZT5RFV745GKLDL574HMPYNZZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131583},"content":"Consider the example of someone earning €51,000, who agrees to forgo €1,000 of salary in order to avail of a shopping voucher worth a similar amount.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENSAENANRZHZXATAL4BL33G35U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131584},"content":"While it might at first appear that this should be covered by the scheme – after all, it is being paid out in a shopping voucher – the person would actually end up paying income tax, USC and PRSI on the face value of the voucher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUUJNRK72FHAHAVU4GFSU5QPFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131585},"content":"According to Revenue, this is because the person received the shopping voucher as part of an arrangement they made in exchange for a reduction in their salary. “The voucher will therefore not qualify for the small benefit exemption,” it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTONVOSLXVFVDJFRKQ33KNBRLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131587},"content":"Kenny agrees that so-called salary sacrifice arrangements will not be tolerated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U66EJEIGRRCF3OZNDGY2NENJGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131588},"content":"“If there is a perception of salary sacrifice, it will become taxable,” says Kenny, adding that the benefit needs to be offered at the discretion of the employer – and if it’s a figure that’s included in the employee’s contract of employment, it won’t be seen as being at the employer’s discretion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRARYBD4NRHDTCT4RCFYIXKG2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131589},"content":"Other incentives","type":"header"},{"_id":"YFCNQCJGAZHPPELRKAOVK2N27E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131590},"content":"While many pre-budget submissions argued for the introduction of tax relief on gym membership, perhaps as a benefit that could be paid by your employer out of your gross earnings, it didn’t come to pass.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3KZVHJSY5E6TEHJJNX5QJ42XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131591},"content":"There are, however, a number of other benefits. One of the more common methods of avoiding tax on your salary is to sign up for a transport pass via the Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme. It allows you to cover your transport costs from your gross salary, while employers can save on their PRSI costs for you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MDOJ24REZG6BI7E3MSSTXI32I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131593},"content":"It covers passes for the bus, train, Luas or ferry services provided by either State or private operators, and the savings can be substantial – between 28.5 per cent and 52 per cent of travel costs, depending on whether you’re a standard or higher-rate taxpayer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCPVUVNGHND73DO5QOYSAM2BZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131594},"content":"If you spend €500 on an annual pass, that means you could save €140 if you pay tax at the standard rate, or €240 if you’re a higher-rate taxpayer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LXVNRCLOZEVRHUPC6UZIBPPIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131595},"content":"One downside: the scheme only works on annual or monthly passes. Given the change in working habits since the pandemic, such a pass may no longer be appropriate for those of the working population operating under hybrid conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C56VNUST2NBATOYP3F6WJNJ7IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131596},"content":"The Bike to Work scheme is another way of saving on tax as it allows you to pay for a new bike (up to €1,250 for a regular bike, and up to €1,500 for an electric bike) out of your gross earnings. This is akin to savings of as much as 52 per cent for higher-rate tax payers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Fiona Reddan"}},"name":"Fiona Reddan"}]},"description":{"basic":"The small benefit exemption, Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme and Bike to Work scheme are all potential moneysavers"},"display_date":"2024-11-12T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Vouchers, commuter tickets and bikes: How employers can help their staff save tax","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U4Q5C3QC4A3PC3VU3GWFDOPDHA","auth":{"1":"aaa1f42a5b66a6337ac5daf198a77869f5a78323db49994bd61b8c83d401280b"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U4Q5C3QC4A3PC3VU3GWFDOPDHA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/12/vouchers-commuter-tickets-and-bikes-how-employers-can-help-their-staff-save-tax/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"UP43FN6DURAYRGYECNAWA2FDKM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":267,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/98240bd9-4f57-4e2d-b127-3076d8178cd3/versions/1731249059/media/f8eac49f47dec624818c55c9d4c42583_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/11/wanted-more-bosses-on-the-shop-floor/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OYTHOR4WUVDUXPAWO3OJS75HPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864194},"content":"On the day of the US election this week, I was struck by a familiar sense of anxiety, dismay and dread.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6UOTB3FMRA5NOEXWXTKX4ZCP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864195},"content":"This had almost nothing to do with the election and everything to do with my decision to spend time that day on the Financial Times’s main <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/\" target=\"_blank\">news desk</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJ5SQUY74JBLNKWTK5ODHMUYZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864196},"content":"In the interests of research, I wanted to see what the job of news editing looked like since I last worked on that desk in London many years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZOAXJFMCVDAJAXKYJ4MT57STA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864197},"content":"Clearly much has changed since. The home page is all-consuming; an entirely different team of editors handles the printed paper. But much is still the same, like the stomach-grinding anxiety about inserting an error in the rush to publish. And the heart-stopping fear of receiving a late, garbled story needing not so much editing as open-heart surgery. And the remorseless speed of the work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HKJ4WTKLJC7RJDIPZC7OQG4WU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864198},"content":"“You all right?” muttered the news editor, a man I’ve known for close to 20 years, as I faffed about trying to log in to the first morning news meeting of top editors. Flustered, I finally got the sound on as he was explaining why I was there, whereupon I thanked him and called him Tim instead of his actual name, which is Tom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASEAUSIFMZCP7GPYENRMJAUMWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864199},"content":"This was a reminder of something I had forgotten in my years away from that work. It is so much harder than it looks from the outside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDKAKCLYQ5H2XJTXEJATJZCB3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864200},"content":"The experience confirmed that business leaders who do what Boeing’s new chief executive, Kelly Ortberg, did the other week deserve much credit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHXG7R2BSRC7PDKJJENSGY6UJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864201},"content":"When Ortberg set out his plans to restore faith in the beleaguered aerospace giant, he highlighted one in particular: putting executives on factory floors as part of “a fundamental culture change”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3K4VXHPANC2RGKBILFPWA6CSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864202},"content":"“We need to know what’s going on, not only with our products, but with our people,” he said. “We need to prevent the festering of issues and work better together to identify, fix, and understand root cause.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXUVT776K5F55CI4WGYTAO3CBU","additional_properties":{"_id":"HDRWKZWGIVCKDAJH4LS6YZRPKQ"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-40007","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"LGWKTM6HURAHBJ2LA55QKFQP4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731248133211},"content":"This seems obvious for any company, let alone one reeling from the aftermath of two fatal crashes of its top-selling 737 Max aircraft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E74SD6RMAFERDPOQVKDOJX2SOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864204},"content":"Yet if it really were apparent, there wouldn’t be headlines whenever someone like Ortberg issues such an edict. Or Home Depot tells corporate office staff to work a full day at one of its stores each quarter, as it did this year. Or Uber’s chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, reveals he has been moonlighting as a driver, as he did last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGTQF2HCD5AVBJQG3PPMDT6U2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864205},"content":"Maybe more bosses than we hear about spend time answering customer complaints on social media, such as Greg Jackson, chief executive of the UK’s Octopus Energy power supplier. Or decide a human can adjust a car window seal faster than a robot by trying it himself on an assembly line, as Elon Musk did at Tesla.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYLU7BUDG5COFOEHQUONX2WRIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864206},"content":"But I doubt it. For one thing, few chief executives are like Musk. Also, running a business is hard. It can be easy to get caught up in the daily crossfire of drama. When Khosrowshahi was driving a customer to the airport one night, he had to ignore what the Wall Street Journal said were frantic phone calls from his chief legal officer trying to tell him the company’s network had been hacked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBM5CUGZXBFONFH6HO3Y5ALCJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864207},"content":"It also takes a lot of confidence to expose yourself to the ridicule of underlings who know more about how a job is done, especially for chief executives unfamiliar with the industry they join.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJAI63LVKNAVNLFJNRBFZDUXGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864208},"content":"But I suspect many executives shy away from the shop floor because they have succumbed to an aspect of power poisoning, or the way behaviour changes when you reach the top.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMJF66F46RBWJAWXSNRWPIBLIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864209},"content":"In this case, they think that, because they are in charge, they understand everything they need to know in order to lead well, even when they palpably don’t. Academics call this the fallacy of centrality and it can be a dismaying thing to watch. Ask any worker repeatedly asked to do something provably unworkable by a clueless boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGXAU6MOTJANHJNWGZK3KL44OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864210},"content":"Of course, hands-on experience alone does not guarantee success. Laxman Narasimhan did 40 hours of barista training before taking over as chief executive of Starbucks and last year said he would keep working behind the counter for half a day each month. He was ousted 17 months later. Falling sales and an activist investor will probably always beat even the finest Frappuccino technique. — Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"Too many leaders avoid spending time with workers doing the jobs the business depends on"},"display_date":"2024-11-11T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Why more CEOs need to be on the shop floor","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QWFS7LF5WH35HOU3MADZBLZQGE","auth":{"1":"2f4d858848ebf97fc197f513eaad7edccf2f1ee1f7aa37e80f37349ea5f98beb"},"focal_point":{"x":1315,"y":525},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QWFS7LF5WH35HOU3MADZBLZQGE.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/11/wanted-more-bosses-on-the-shop-floor/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"TCDHDPHCBJB33BKP7XK3IBAAUE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":350,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f2ada6aa-1e85-4e1a-9e01-ee8c8f582ea7/versions/1731253653/media/fd352348d434e8cfe87e281389332776_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2024/11/11/workplace-survey-revealing-narcotic-addiction-most-likely-an-underestimate/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EIQHN3H67NCMPAYI34MJSYTBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905156},"content":"A suggestion in a workplace survey that 16 per cent of employees are addicted to or have an unhealthy relationship with at least one Class A illegal drug is probably an underestimate, according to the head of one of the country’s leading addiction services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKLTIVWBJJBELCS5P5LKDFU6Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905157},"content":"The 2024 Workplace Wellbeing Index, a survey of 1,000 workers and 200 HR managers across a range of business sectors, commissioned by Laya Healthcare and launched at the company’s workplace summit last week, found 29 per cent of employees reported being addicted to or having an unhealthy relationship with nicotine, 21 per cent with alcohol and 22 per cent with illegal substances, including cannabis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMVTRFLHMZBERCHMC4574EJ5XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731230038730},"content":"Sixteen per cent suggested they had a problem with their use of Class A drugs such as cocaine or heroin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"23PBJS5LEVHCRLEJFSA3CUKKMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905158},"content":"The figures were higher among men, those under 24 and those with a disability with a health condition. Managers and employees more likely to be contacted outside of ordinary working hours also reported higher percentages of drug use, with more than a quarter of some cohorts acknowledging a problem.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53OWE4XOT5FLHPX32LYOYI5Y6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731244049595},"content":"Laya’s Sinéad Proos said the findings highlighted that addiction was a “serious issue impacting on Irish workplaces”, one employers needed to recognise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PE74UGZFQFBEHJZ4EEB75EB6B4","additional_properties":{"_id":"5NP6O6665BEMRGSBX364U4DR4A"},"content":"Dublin’s crack cocaine epidemic: ‘You get a rush. You come down. And then you have to go again’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7YNCQISUCFA65NI5BNKN3Z43YU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905160},"content":"The figures are high by comparison with the most recent findings of the Health Research Board’s National Drugs and Alcohol Survey, published three years ago. That research found 7.4 per cent of all adults reported “recent or last year” use of illegal drugs while the proportion of male respondents aged between 25-34 who said they had recently used cocaine had increased more than fivefold in 17 years, from 1.8 per cent to 9.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RRV5QA67NHHFJ4VJ3WBN4JDBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905161},"content":"Eddie Mullins, the chief executive of Merchant’s Quay, a leading charity providing addiction and homelessness services in Dublin, suggests the landscape is complex with prescription and other medications playing a part too but believes all of the figures are likely underestimates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSOV4NAIEZBHFJIIRSNMPSUWEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905162},"content":"“I think there’s an awful lot of people who are habitually using drugs or trying to conceal it and hide it and a survey would fail to capture that,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWGJWBMVSBGUXCQBLGGIC7ROD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731247927811},"content":"“I’m convinced that it’s under-reported. Cocaine use is really at an epidemic proportion. We tend to focus on chronic addiction, on street drug selling and drug taking, a cohort of people who are totally marginalised,” says Mullins, a former governor of Mountjoy Prison. “But most drug users are functioning people. They go to work or they go to college and they manage to maintain a drug habit. They use drugs but it hasn’t taken over their lives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GV6VRR27WJDCBKPB2JUYQ5SR6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905165},"content":"That is not, he says, to suggest it does not affect them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FCXNXMIJUFD2XOAMO5GRYJCAKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905166},"content":"“There are days lost in work because people are feeling the ill effects of the party the night before with cocaine or whatever, and they simply don’t go to work,” says Mullins. “I actually think the new phenomenon of working from home is also making it easier for people, because you’re not under that same scrutiny … you can get up in the morning and be in bits, log on and do what you need to do while you kind of get yourself together.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4AW5ZWRGQVE2XA44OXNRSPRAK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905167},"content":"“And there are certainly people too who are using it more regularly, who are going into the toilet at work and using cocaine. So it’s a bit of everything. There’s no one particular factor in this that sticks out above another.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWIWHJF4UBEKBL4DHB3STWNHOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905168},"content":"Mullins says middle-class use is what is driving the surge in cocaine consumption in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTSCPZQI45CA7N6PDQBXQ7OEQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905169},"content":"“Young professionals, students, young people in general, don’t look at cocaine the way they would look at heroin. It’s part of your social fabric and they think it’s fine. You go, you have your line of coke, you might have a few drinks and it’s party time. But it is still [a] secret. People won’t admit to it. That’s why I think that figure is probably underestimating it now, not levels of addiction, but certainly habitual drug use.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRS6JAYWZFCYNC2GNJUTFUSSHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905170},"content":"Mullins is concerned about the longer-term mental health consequences of drug abuse, of what will happen 10 years down the line.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHP5EUYEZBBKBA4BX57V2WOT2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731230038743},"content":"But Caroline Reidy of the HR Suite, a consultant who advises many companies on issues related to their staff, has a more immediate concern — the impending Christmas party season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS2W7FS4WRFNVPJONO4QUBUZF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905171},"content":"Reidy, who will speak on Tuesday at a Legal Island-run employment conference at the Aviva Stadium about dealing with intoxicants in the workplace, says many people do not appreciate the blurred lines between work and work-related socialising.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHVBXX3IHBH3VGKEBKU7CWANLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905172},"content":"“Anything that happens in the course of your work is a work-related issue,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LANXKKZDOZH6DGQE7V27UFZ54E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905173},"content":"“If we work together and decide to go for drinks after work, you go out with a client to do an end-of-year review over drinks or, you know, the Christmas party … any of those events are an extension of work and so dignity and respect at work policies, codes of ethics and appropriate work behaviour, all kick into gear.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYLJN345BVBSJICEF45BKXHNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905174},"content":"Drug use, she suggests, is a growing source of the type of issues that arise during the seasonal spike in complaints and incidents traditionally attributable to excessive alcohol use.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WN2N7TQVGJER7OMEBTYD7XD7TA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905175},"content":"“If something goes wrong in terms of dignity and respect, if an appropriate comment or an appropriate gesture is made then ultimately a person can end up in trouble, including being dismissed,” she says. “There are a lot of complex and sensitive issues for employers involved and we would do a lot of investigations into allegations over the Christmas period.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"‘There’s an awful lot of people who are habitually using drugs ... and a survey would fail to capture that’"},"display_date":"2024-11-11T02:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Most drug users are functioning people. 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The claims were denied.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DE5XH2FKLFFMNII5OAGPZEWHRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The PPI, which had denied her claims, was accused by Ms Burke at a hearing in September of acting as “de facto photo Freemasons”, with a “hegemony of male members” and a “massive gender imbalance” – remarks branded “inflammatory”, “prejudicial”, and “completely irrelevant” by the trade group’s barrister.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFJZJJEZNJH6HK4G2FHMSQXEVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Burke’s case was that that a membership rule requiring PPI members to be “full-time” press photographers earning 80 per cent of their income from editorial work amounts to indirect discrimination against women on the grounds they are more likely to be working part-time, in full-time education or to have childcare or caring responsibilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMMB6HKSQRF3HPQLWIVJKPXG4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Elaine Davern-Wiseman BL, acting for PPI, urged the tribunal to dismiss the case on preliminary grounds, arguing Ms Burke had no standing as she had failed to submit a membership form, and further that the association did not provide a service to the public, and was therefore exempt from the equality legislation. It opted to present no witness testimony and relied instead on its preliminary objections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2TBNEK2DNDZ7HFGNGTROC3CWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The tribunal heard Ms Burke had entered into correspondence with the association in August and September 2023 with a view to joining. One email shown to the tribunal included its membership secretary asking Ms Burke: “If you are a full-time student, that makes you a part-time photographer?” Another showed its president stating: “I can’t progress an application for you given your status as a full-time student. PPAI members are expected to be full-time photographers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6D2VT4LOJHKLAM2BBSUMV4A44","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Burke, who represented herself before the tribunal, said she had “tried to get clarity” from the body on what it meant by “full-time” in her correspondence, but that they “simply wouldn’t tell me”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHKBZNU4IREJFMLAWQV5MUOHAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“What they were clear about was that my being a full-time student automatically made me ineligible, and I understood that to be on the basis of hours worked,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BF2QEF7IT5GSZMHPNSXDJYJF6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"She claimed there had been a “refusal to give me proper information on what constituted full-time” and that the association was treating her “as though I was kind of like a child” – taking issue with emails suggesting she speak to her college tutor about applying and wishing her luck with her studies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2Q54U53MBBPXDP4XEUT2BIIFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Davern-Wiseman, for the PPI, said it required its members to be full-time photographers to uphold “the standards and the standing the organisation has”, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B4TOJL3U3VB6HABQ5KWZIO7LVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIL3OU3IUJHHXLUNORYITZJTQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3HBU6HNQJDZTF4OGG4DRZZT4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDAMXL5ZHRFMZGFSWUEPAAI6DY","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6JH6TCFMNHLHJ4A4N63VQWBQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a decision published on Friday, WRC adjudicator Kara Turner said she was satisfied the professional body’s activities fell within the definition of a “service available to a section of the public”. Ms Burke was entitled to pursue an equality complaint about the communications without having actually submitted an application form, as discrimination in the provision of a service “goes beyond denial or refusal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6L3HBP64FDYNCXJUAP2MXONRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Turner said the emails “undoubtedly” sought to “redirect” Ms Burke’s queries and conclude the conversation. However, the adjudicator was not satisfied there was less favourable treatment or a link to Ms Burke’s gender and concluded that Ms Burke had not drawn an inference of direct gender discrimination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETIIB4XMJVHHNKLBVKD2BXDLYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"On the further claim of indirect discrimination in the PPI’s membership criteria, Ms Turner wrote: “The email communications between the parties were not fulsome in the exchange of information and the use of the words ‘full-time’ has clearly given rise to much confusion,” Ms Turner wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZ36SEMLQND55BHX43QYNWDEFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She wrote that Ms Burke had failed to answer questions on her working hours and income, while the PPI “made assumptions” about the complainant’s status as a full-time student meaning she was “therefore not a working press photographer”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FW2RJXYVQ5AOFELMXCNIPFR4KY","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Ms Turner concluded that the PPI had at no stage stated in its communications with Ms Burke that full-time hours were required – but that Ms Burke had “misconstrued the relevant criteria for membership”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSQIDEQU75EITE7HEKC6VMN4E4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The adjudicator declared the claims of direct and indirect discrimination “not well founded”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Norma Burke alleged Press Photographers Ireland rule requiring members to be ‘full-time’ press photographers amounted to indirect discrimination"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T15:41:09.534Z","headlines":{"basic":"Photographer who accused 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claim by a Dublin employee of An Post that she was penalised after making a complaint against a supervisor who “whacked” her chair and told her to serve a customer has been rejected by the Labour Court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6656GFRNBRCCVCHD76BSQGGAEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836297},"content":"Veronica Dowling told the court she felt her workplace had become “unsafe and hostile” after reporting the incident to a manager who, she believed, endorsed her the supervisor’s behaviour by failing to act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVEQCPHHLZFCPIUA76PSYIDMOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836298},"content":"Ms Dowling was appealing a decision of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) which found no basis for the claim she had been penalised for making the complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWKFNXKABRBMBA7BKPL3VOQLQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836299},"content":"The court upheld that decision and another, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/06/14/postal-clerk-wins-1000-over-joke-about-gilbert-osullivan-song-being-her-vintage/\" target=\"_blank\">in a related case</a>, in which Ms Dowling had been awarded €1,000 in compensation for age-related harassment after she said she had been mocked by the same supervisor when she was told a Gibert O’Sullivan song on the radio was “her vintage” and a number of younger colleagues laughed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLG4Z4PZNZEZBFRBMV6E5TAQ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836300},"content":"Ms Dowling took the penalisation case against An Post under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in relation to an incident at the St Andrew’s Street branch of An Post on June 5th, 2020 when she alleged her supervisor gave her chair she was in at a counter a “resounding whack” and suggested aggressively that she “serve the customer”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYNA3WYSCVD5TK2UP4SOPM7X2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836301},"content":"She said she felt alarm and shock, that the act of punching or whacking another person’s chair was threatening and unacceptable, and she took the matter up with her union.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MO72LNS4X5AD5MCITGLBNIQVZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836302},"content":"She made an official complaint against the supervisor but during the subsequent investigation by a HR manager, Kevin Cullen, a dispute arose over access to CCTV footage he suggested showed the incident was not as serious as she was alleging.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4W6S6C54V5BPFNWEJURJBUBWUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836303},"content":"She said she was told she could only view the footage if she admitted she was mistaken though a letter introduced as evidence suggested it had been put to her watching the footage might prompt her to realise she was mistaken. She said she felt she was not being listened to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPMV7UHOL5CE5DAYXIFADAZKVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836304},"content":"No agreement, in any case, could be initially reached on when and where she could watch the footage with Ms Dowling declining to watch it at the post office branch while colleague were in the building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KSZBBNJKNELJC5SFD3B75BRD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836305},"content":"She subsequently made a complaint about Mr Cullen’s handling of the case and referred the original issue to the WRC as well as reporting it to the Health and Safety Authority before the internal procedures had been exhausted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYLMLE2PQ5AZJJKQYVKOXBSSS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836306},"content":"Having taken sick leave in the wake of the incident – Ms Dowling was certified by her GP to be suffering from stress and never returned to her role – her sick pay was halved after 92 days of absence in one 12 month period, and payments were later stopped entirely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I27SPBEMVVCS3DUIG5LIP2QXLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836307},"content":"The court ultimately found, however, that the halving of the sick pay was in line with her terms of employment and its cessation came after her complaint was made to the WRC and could not therefore be considered. There was no evidence, it found, that she had been penalised for making the complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQFSQKY745HWFAVOMG5JOWYGGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836308},"content":"In relation to the harassment case, the court found the age-related comments made were inappropriate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XX4QHJPXFJCAZK3PRDPL5D6QPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836309},"content":"“In this case,” the court said, “the complainant’s evidence was that she felt ridiculed and made to feel different because of her age. In reply, the respondent submits that the supervisor believed the comment to a lighthearted remark, which was made entirely off-the-cuff and without malice. He made a full and heartfelt apology to her, there and then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3RTQ7MDJFHI7OTUPDPKDO3G2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836310},"content":"“Whether the comment was made as part of workplace banter or playful teasing is irrelevant to the impact of the comment on the complainant, which had the effect of violating her dignity at work,” the court said in its decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAC5M6IC25FVZDXHJVZA4ALK4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836311},"content":"It said the appropriate remedy was compensation and felt the €1,000 the WRC had ordered An Post to pay her was appropriate. It upheld <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/06/14/postal-clerk-wins-1000-over-joke-about-gilbert-osullivan-song-being-her-vintage/\" target=\"_blank\">that decision</a> and rejected her appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Labour Court upholds €1,000 award, however, for age-related harassment after comment about ‘her vintage’ of music"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T12:32:36.508Z","headlines":{"basic":"An Post worker who claimed she was penalised over ‘whacked’ chair complaint has case rejected","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OFT6SU4ABL2RYSUALU4G32UMQI","auth":{"1":"60e8daeaa383cd2465e8fd238d47b73797c2620c90386e7753337b5cdc4955fd"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OFT6SU4ABL2RYSUALU4G32UMQI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2024/11/08/an-post-worker-who-claimed-she-was-penalised-over-whacked-chair-complaint-has-case-rejected/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}},{"_id":"6BKZCH7BPBGYFAH5IG3U57X63I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":806,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/55dae0f8-11af-4e24-9496-29ef10a6e61d/versions/1730823880/media/e96ca7c5e4c3eab0808e47de45ca54f6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3OP5VLCIRJAARBGEZEMZQJG6QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595714},"content":"“This is an extraordinary moment to take on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a> Ireland,” says Vanessa Hartley, Google Ireland’s new boss. Despite uncertainty over political volatility, Ireland’s infrastructure deficit, securing staff for her growing business and harnessing AI, she is optimistic about the tech company’s future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7AJTL2HJFEU3MRX2D4HLUHRZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595715},"content":"From modest origins as a small search engine that began in a garage in Menlo Park in the late 1990s, Google has grown to a multinational that employs around 180,000 worldwide and dominates its sector. Around 5,000 of those staff are in Ireland, where Google first opened an office in 2003. It is now the search giant’s Europe, Middle East and Africa headquarters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJ3LGBPLM5C6PNMURZM347DLPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595716},"content":"Walk down Barrow Street in Dublin and it is clearly Google country. The company occupies several buildings – Google Docks at one end, the Foundry across the street and the newly-opened Bolands Mills at the other end, a building steeped in Dublin’s history. The last of these will house Google’s engineering centre of excellence, and hundreds of staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHG2BSTOORDKLL2F6YQEPIUX74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595717},"content":"A few months after taking over the role from Adaire Fox-Martin, who left to head up Equinix, Hartley is ready to talk about how she will leave her mark on the company. Originally from Waterford, she is not what you would describe as a typical tech executive. Her college degree from DCU is in international marketing. And before she joined Google, she says she didn’t pay close attention to the sector – just enough to see the way things were shifting to mobile.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVCXKCGZSBGGHP5HWVGQKVGS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595719},"content":"A decade ago, Hartley was working as head of personal banking and product strategy at what was then Permanent TSB. Prior to that, she had been founding commercial director of health insurer GloHealth (now known as Irish Life Health), following stints as group marketing director at Aviva Ireland and head of current accounts and savings at Halifax.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGVSJCKRNBAOBLS2RMUYA4IERQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292604},"content":"But when the Google opportunity came up, she was intrigued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YBKAAQGMFDHZNZPNE6HMSBPWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595720},"content":"“At the time, I could see a massive shift from digital to mobile, and the potential to go and work with EMEA-based retailers on that, I just thought it was fascinating,” she explains. “It was a really extraordinary global view of the world. And the fact that, as Dublin is the EU headquarters, you’ve just got this outsize influence on what happens across the EU.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIHPTMKZ35EA5ER2AWXT736JHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595721},"content":"In her 10 years with the business, Hartley has seen a transformation in Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVTPOMJUQJFLPBB2IQNRLK2GJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292607},"content":"The company was once known for its novel approach to interviewing, often asking candidates head-scratchers such as “How many golf balls can you fit in a school bus?” and “Why are manhole covers round?”. It spawned a series of copycats, a few books and a series of online guides in how to crack the interview process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6ETP33W55FCNPSPEM2QKHVYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7NDDXNQBYBCPVP7EYNZSBT2BXY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"MLYTZV46I5BRLE7SHURYIYNTGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595723},"content":"It seems the brain teasers have gone the way of other Silicon Valley trappings, such as cinema rooms, on-site massages and unlimited snack bars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUBDATVFJVHEPF46L2DMUIDUVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595724},"content":"“We’ve stopped that. It was a little bit nonsensey, and the world has changed,” Hartley laughs. “But it was through the interview process that I met people who were the reason I came to work here: super-smart, hard-working, really kind people. And that, for me, is the essence of what Google is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXMQJRIALJBWHID3MEI5JP4BO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595725},"content":"It has been, she says, an incredible experience – six jobs across Google Ireland, the most recent looking after advertising sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. That remains her core role. Now she is heading up the Irish arm of the business at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3XB7AUUWVCOBBMON274IWM2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":"MTGSWHUNJNEIJLRPSXQ3IM3YPE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"TESHIJ577RG75FBTNFQVAY7D6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595726},"content":"The reason? Artificial intelligence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZT3A6SEBWZH4ZH2BBTWOCXA3WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292612},"content":"Google has been working on artificial intelligence for years, but it is no secret that the release of OpenAI’s generative AI ChatGPT caught it on the back foot. While the tech giant had been proceeding cautiously, the release of ChatGPT and the buzz it created, pushed Google to launch Bard, now known as Gemini.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVA4IUYLV5EQ5G5LTL4E2HWRKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292613},"content":"There have been some public missteps – the “glue in pizza sauce” recommendation is often used as a cautionary tale of why we shouldn’t blindly trust AI – but Google has pushed ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z22AIZZAERFXHEHRLHDWAZUKEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595727},"content":"In August, the company unveiled its new Pixel devices built with AI in mind, stealing a march on rival Apple that was still weeks away from announcing a date for the availability of its own AI technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJHAGP7VGNGSTAZVYI3GBRTVQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595728},"content":"But it is not solely about winning over consumers. Hartley sees AI as bringing big benefits to the economy here. A recent study published by Google estimated that the new generation of AI could bring a 7 per cent bump in GDP to Ireland in the coming years. Fail to implement correctly, and we stand to miss out to the tune of several billion euro.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRPBUHORFVHEVIM57R3AZHUM7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595729},"content":"Hartley wants to see that capability come to Ireland; in fact, she is making it one of her priorities in her role as head of the Irish business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXG66FSMC5FXPMKYQIIHQHJAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595730},"content":"“Number one is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland, and that we bring it to not just our large businesses but into SMEs, making sure that we also continue to build skills for AI and that AI is accessible to everyone,” she says. “We know that there is a big opportunity for AI in Ireland. But we’re only going to realise that if we get into the hands of people who really need it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLI5BKAFWFCA7COM3NKNOTQBEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595731},"content":"That means training, into which Google has ploughed resources, and regular contact with the SME community to demonstrate the power and business benefits of the technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TK34GFX22RG6ZD6NSR52A3FPUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595732},"content":"But it won’t be an easy task. Although people are warming to the idea of AI, there is still a reasonable level of suspicion that the technology will ultimately lead to the replacement of human jobs - something which, historically, has never been welcomed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGOENM5EBBDZ5N7POPWMUYB4ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595733},"content":"Another obstacle may be the resistance to data centres in Ireland. While our national data centre footprint has grown in recent years, there has been a pushback against their development in this country, amid concerns about the environmental impact of the facilities and grid capacity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZM4E33SABAWDAXNHMRPUIUFBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595734},"content":"Google has come up against it first-hand, with plans to expand its data centre in Dublin currently going through the courts. The initial planning application, submitted earlier this year, was for a third phase of its data centre campus at Grange Castle, a 72,400 sq m facility in west Dublin with eight data centre halls. Once fully operational, it would create 50 jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHCWDUKCBZAOJPI742HJTO3ZRY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GEA6ZZE4B5C6RCXV7Q7FACAHCY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"BFTJWN6HBZCVTLUJ3BNVEEIMZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595735},"content":"But South Dublin County Council (SDCC) refused it, citing the “existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network [grid] and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data centre”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVJB4WVBUZGDZDU74J7SX75DCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595736},"content":"The case is ongoing and, as such, Hartley does not want to comment specifically about it. However, she says, the decision was a “surprise and a disappointment”, and that Google is “very invested” in the Dublin data centre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5PUWCSBIFCRZF2UUIWUGYDLTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595737},"content":"“We have global access to data centres; every country in the world is looking for data centres,” she says. “So I’m confident that we can work with the SDCC and An Bord Pleanála to address the concerns.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"462FPPBGZ5BGZIRTPHNXG6ZT2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595738},"content":"That isn’t the only challenge Google faces. On top of the data centre refusal, the company has also found itself in the wrong side of a judgment in the US that ruled it had monopolised the online search market. It has been subject to increasing regulation in the EU, with the Digital Markets Act, the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act all seeking to regulate various aspects of its business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OR7EJVZAMRASBB43NGHUEPQBWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595749},"content":"Hartley says the company welcomes the regulation. In a previous life, she worked in banking, which is no stranger to regulation either. “I think it’s a really important moment to get the regulation right.,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YFAYGHIFFHDLELDPTU4WCEM2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595750},"content":"Some of that burden clearly falls on the Irish business, acting as a gateway between what the EU decrees and what US-based engineers are building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5YHYVNP4FHMTJU5GD2G6HE5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292628},"content":"Talk of Ireland’s infrastructure issues have dominated the public discourse this year, and you can’t help but wonder if multinationals will reconsider further investment as a result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXJX2WTS5BFOXFE4FDA4NYZ6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595739},"content":"She acknowledges there is work to do, but isn’t convinced there is a perception problem with Ireland, and expects investment to continue. Since Brexit, Ireland has been viewed as a gateway for US companies into the EU. Despite its problems – a housing crisis, the spiralling cost of living, anti-immigration protests – the idea of Ireland as an attractive location for investment has not waned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZXR2G5XCZEVPEUP7MQQG2LBLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595740},"content":"“I’m always struck by the optimism and the confidence in Ireland as that EU headquarters for Google,” says Hartley. “Every single large city in the world faces these challenges.” She also notes that the company is building a global centre of excellence in engineering that will be housed in Bolands Mills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG2BNEOBZBHQNH3ABHFZDZELKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292632},"content":"“We’ve already recruited more than 1,000 engineers, and will continue to do that. So there is incredible confidence that we can continue to attract the best engineers in the world, notwithstanding the fact that we know that large cities like Dublin do have challenges,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHFPRZHF6FDEDFFT5MLLH5MG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595748},"content":"“My job is going to be to work with Government policymakers to make sure we are really clear on the next five to 10 years and what we need to do in order to make sure we capitalise like we did in the 1980s and the 1990s on these opportunities that are ahead.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUMRCDAFWJHXHO2FPVYO62RJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595743},"content":"Part of that will not only be getting the right staff in the right place, it will be keeping them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNGKTATREVDC3JOUMA4C6QMP24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595744},"content":"Amazon has broken ranks in terms of remote working, with the tech giant requiring staff to be back in the office five days a week. As yet, Google has no plans to follow suit. Not only would it be a big change to how the company works, with staff currently in the office three days per week, but it would also undermine its own message that its tools can be used to work from anywhere at any time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCAZXRPKORHUDDKA4NC3JJXJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595745},"content":"Hartley quite likes the flexibility of remote working herself, describing herself as a “massive proponent” of it. Having a young family, she benefits from Google’s policy of “work from anywhere” weeks, where staff can work from anywhere in the world, tying in family obligations with their work commitments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRIEOTHIOVFUHBYTNTEDDY2TCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595746},"content":"“We’re really happy with how hybrid’s working for us. It gives us the right flexibility in order to hire and retain the best talent. For now, I don’t see that changing,” she says, adding that it does come up in the course of conversations at professional events, but not so much in-house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BFCLQNWXNBLXKVBHGJTMHXE2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292638},"content":"“It’s the number one question being asked. It is, interestingly, not the number one question being asked by Googlers. I think they recognise that, actually, we give them a lot of flexibility.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7LCA6G6RFEVLJLTZ25PIE5KVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595747},"content":"Part of that is being clear about the expectations around hybrid work arrangements. Hartley describes it as an adult conversation. “I see it as a leadership challenge, rather than a productivity challenge,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2PAYZMBFVFXTLGEVNHAA7Y65A","additional_properties":{"_id":"AEUEK2KYTNBRDKKF53NXUI3WQU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QP2SGOLLXJFQZNJQIY4J7HTW5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292640},"content":"Getting that balance right, though, is crucial, and Hartley has learned how to detach from work when it is appropriate. Living in Clontarf, she is a stone’s throw from the sea, where she swims four times a week. Having three children under 12 means life is busy for the Google boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVUT3FDNQND4VB3O5QSYFOJH4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595752},"content":"“All I want to do when I’m not here is just to be with the kids, with them in the kitchen or on the beach. I’m very good at detaching,” she says. “I think that’s been a key learning that has come over the last 10 years. When you’re off, you’re off, and you’ve got to make sure that you build in rest time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWD5YHQMINBENOYM2MRY3G7ADA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595753},"content":"That is something she says she has picked up from younger Google staff, who can do much more purpose-driven work. “We need to learn, particularly with our Irish psyche of ‘I have to do everything’. You don’t, actually; you have to do the right things really well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCGPD52TBRG5JE24A4INR4C3RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595755},"content":"<b>CV</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFOHNRJWEFDQRFOIAKUQ7T7NJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292645},"content":"<b>Name:</b> Vanessa Hartley","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5UY4OSL3ZCHXB7CEELFD7OVVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595756},"content":"<b>Age:</b> 47","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMS6DTPK3VEZLPRMDP7QSHXA3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595757},"content":"P<b>osition:</b> Head of Google Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIJJBHNFANBK5NFO4VNED6QBGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292648},"content":"<b>Lives: </b>Dublin","type":"text"},{"_id":"SH55NAFE7JDYZELINGIEKIYJTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595758},"content":"<b>Family:</b> Married to Ross, with three children under 12","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAXLL4AXTZC5PALSIMN5WAMVNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292650},"content":"<b>Outside interests: </b>Sea swimming close to her Clontarf home","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPZO3B7K35B4BCBXNYFSNVHQI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595759},"content":"<b>Something you would expect:</b> She has become the de facto tech support for everyone even vaguely in her social orbit. Requests for help with Google services are common. “Can I remove their house from Google Maps?” she laughs. “You get your mam’s bridge friend called Nick, asking: ‘Can you take that picture of me down’. Which, again, is kind of funny to people who know me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVGL2QYR3VHQTHQDBIOKXLL5NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595761},"content":"<b>Something that might surprise:</b> She isn’t a techie at heart, which makes it all the more amusing that she heads up one of the largest tech companies in Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"V34BDHLQS5EGHJGCHGK7Q6ZHC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Waterford native is taking the helm of the search engine giant’s Irish arm at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for the company"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google Ireland head Vanessa Hartley: ‘Number one priority is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU","auth":{"1":"adbd2d399c7a07ec0082eab2aae9918f5a455484669c205b98ae9d12bd2ceb8d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"WR57X5KPJZET5COXAYQCDONLDM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":136,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/408073eb-0ff3-493a-b13f-a40ee225c51f/versions/1730982909/media/71ebfb6223b14a75350a8372606e9ead_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2024/11/07/cancer-survivor-brendan-ogle-to-appeal-wrc-rejection-of-claim-he-was-discriminated-against/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CGLUYME3XREOPDDEWLERENVVOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511940},"content":"Trade unionist <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brendan-ogle/\" target=\"_blank\">Brendan Ogle</a> is appealing the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/10/09/brendan-ogle-loses-disability-discrimination-claim-against-trade-union-unite-following-cancer-treatment/\" target=\"_blank\">Workplace Relations Commission’s rejection of his claim that he was discriminated against at work </a>as a cancer survivor by Unite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2SBD45Q2RCRTAKJD3LT5PHM4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511941},"content":"Mr Ogle filed notice of appeal on Thursday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PPJBC4DQR5GKBFRXNMSG3NDQQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511942},"content":"The WRC’s decision on his case was “not consistent with evidence submitted and is not good law”, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JL7YLTZRYNDF3CN2ZY6XGZYYXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511943},"content":"“It is important for me and other cancer survivors returning to work that the Labour Court adjudicates on these matters,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVFMATWHSNENBMK73C2ESTQVRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511944},"content":"Last month,<b> </b>the commission rejected claims that another union official, Tom Fitzgerald, told Mr Ogle he had been directed to write him out of the union’s strategic plan for Ireland, a plan which he then proceeded to write it up on a whiteboard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WIBAITTNJBOJMUMAFSW2ECNUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731008902750},"content":"In response to the appeal, Unite said the tribunal decision was “clear and unambiguous” and said the evidence given by its witnesses “held sway on all issues of dispute”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFDSAGQWVJDK3ISMI2MUJRRXPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511945},"content":"Mr Ogle’s account of the meeting had been likened to a scene with a “Bond villain” by one of the union’s lawyers – and was rejected as not being “plausible” by an adjudicator as the tribunal dismissed the complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EILJY6VIYVCATLDZ6CNI54KQCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511946},"content":"Mr Ogle’s case was that he was sidelined when he went back to work in the summer of 2022 after being treated for a “very aggressive” throat cancer which saw him lose four and a half stone in weight while “living off fluids for six months”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ORVNULRA7JDMBKZXEM5PX6X7AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511947},"content":"“The prognosis wasn’t good ... They throw everything at you until you can’t take any more – until I literally and physically collapsed,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZROWPELFFAEDMV4LUC6RW4U74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511948},"content":"The WRC also heard that Mr Ogle had also issued defamation proceedings against Unite’s former chairman Tony Woodhouse over remarks at union conference in Malahide in September 2022 referring to “lies that were being told” about Unite on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ALUUM5M2SZDWZDWMCL7VPN7ZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511949},"content":"Mr Ogle contended this was a reference to a Facebook post by his wife, Mandy La Combre, referring to his situation at work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQURE22PCND2DJ5UQVLFOKTRZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511950},"content":"Internal processes failed to resolve the dispute, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PIBHMKWVSRCFXF7EHSRLIGJAIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511951},"content":"In a statement, Unite said: “Unite will of course review any appeal lodged by Mr Ogle and follow due process in dealing with it. If such an appeal was heard Unite would have a strong expectation that the WRC decision will be upheld.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Trade unionist alleged he was sidelined by Unite after his return to work following treatment"},"display_date":"2024-11-07T19:47:19.262Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cancer survivor Brendan Ogle to appeal WRC rejection of claim he was discriminated against ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZKDEP6KQ5RKS7NSLZMVSGVYWLE","auth":{"1":"4ebbd56d3ac7b30c61582fb53f60a25138a11f4cf3c5f9bfbdfef4e6967be4b6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZKDEP6KQ5RKS7NSLZMVSGVYWLE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2024/11/07/cancer-survivor-brendan-ogle-to-appeal-wrc-rejection-of-claim-he-was-discriminated-against/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"GVB4T2SZ6JDG7DGGPGMNQKKZPY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":350,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/dbdbe272-a883-4559-8b19-81c7272c1acc/versions/1731003300/media/943ef2d7c5fbc913cea328d76a3c056c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/07/rte-editor-says-bogus-contractor-deals-cost-her-238k/","content_elements":[{"_id":"55NS434UL5GJZLAAT2LQQEADTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098751},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OXMNOY2W2NER5PBIYVXDANPJNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731000136622},"content":"An RTÉ editor who claimed that she was left €238,000 worse off than her permanently-employed colleagues because she was treated as an “independent contractor” for 11 years is to be given more time to consider a retrospective benefits deal tabled by the company, a tribunal has decided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLGZIYZSIZAEBEPUHI4IKPOPCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098752},"content":"The worker’s Siptu representative had described the situation as “an endless cycle of bogus contracts being forced on those in the weakest positions by those ... who had the biggest of salaries and were in the safest of jobs”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HDK3QDIP65GCBF2PVCHRVOLAHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098753},"content":"In a recommendation on a dispute raised under the Industrial Relations Act 1969 by the anonymised complainant, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), concluded that the worker should get no more than what the broadcaster had already provided for in a retrospection deal for around 100 workers agreed with trade unions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AU5EKBLVZVA6HPRCIFEMVN7624","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098754},"content":"To do otherwise could “exposé” the broadcaster to claims by the other staff “coming back and looking for money over and above that which was offered and agreed to in a voluntary consultative process”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJAYR5CIWZD2PC5Q72A3Y4WK5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098755},"content":"The complainant said she first started to work for the broadcaster in the late 2000s as an editor, receiving daily or weekly pay, engaged as an independent contractor rather than an employee.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTPISUVEM5FXPMFOCRJMMN2CPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098756},"content":"She was “simply happy to be engaged in any way by the respondent entity,” the tribunal noted. The pattern continued with a “cycle of simply renewing the independent contractor agreement”, the tribunal heard. The complainant’s position was that the situation was “not satisfactory” because she felt “unfairly treated” compared to colleagues of hers who were permanently employed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNR2QEJRBBFRHDOXNIUVCUF54Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098757},"content":"Her belief was that her engagement was “precarious” and that she could be “dropped at a moment’s notice”. She said she lost out on accrued annual leave, public holidays and sick pay, as well as the maternity benefits afforded to permanent staff of the broadcaster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PZHTTF2CNFMFAVBH5WFYFRFE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098758},"content":"She calculated that she had been left short some €238,000 over the course of more than a decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBWHTOO75NFLDKJ3GJ3GPP7PHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098759},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VDBS52OCOJCMRBKDEY6AASXVRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098760},"content":"The broadcaster’s solicitor, Louise O’Beirne of Arthur Cox, rejected the suggestion that it “knew or ought to have known that [the complainant] was anxious to be a permanent member of staff”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOSMAESMGJA3TEUGJ5IRIWEQYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098761},"content":"A “groundswell of dissatisfaction” among staff built up against the use of so many contractors and got the backing of trade unions at the broadcaster, leading to the commissioning of a review by consultancy firm Eversheds in 2017, the regularisation of employment contracts, and an independently-prepared retrospection deal, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4ZI35TTAFBRBK6B5PCCBDWNTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098762},"content":"Adjudicator Penelope McGrath noted that after the Eversheds process, the complainant was offered a part-time contract at 60 per cent of full-time hours starting in 2019 which “reflected the pattern of engagement with RTÉ over the previous two years”, and signed it in May 2019. This was later increased to a part-time contract for 69 per cent of hours after the complainant queried the terms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHR2W6GMWRDANFUEH2CEYJTSKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098763},"content":"In 2021, there were talks to trade unions which also led to a retrospection deal being put forward in August 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3P3N3ZQAOJGZLCNHT27U3EYO34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098764},"content":"The deal included the recognition of past continuous service based on the findings of the Scope assessments; top-up payments for those who would have got maternity or paternity leave from 2013 to 2019, and a variable ex gratia lump sum, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6GZWELWEZFCFAGMTJJGUVRCC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098765},"content":"In the complainant’s case, the lump sum was worth €10,500, either as a cash payment through payroll or an additional voluntary contribution into an approved RTÉ pension scheme, the tribunal heard. However, because she had given birth outside the window of eligibility for a maternity top-up of €5,000, she was denied this payment, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OCUCGUWTZAGJAG4BVSQFDFBOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098767},"content":"The tribunal noted that the complainant “sought to renegotiate” but that the broadcaster “felt bound” by the terms of the retrospection deal — with “no wiggle room” for the complainant. The editor decided not to sign and brought a complaint to the WRC in November 2022, it was noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XG6YE5GVGVDNBO5RBWSBSRLLTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098768},"content":"Ms McGrath wrote that while the broadcaster was a commercial entity, it was subsidised with taxpayer money and had an obligation to operate “in as lean and efficient a way as might be allowable in law”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XZMOTRWNCFH3BN42N5Y44CTEFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098769},"content":"“The situation that allowed for the use, if not exploitation, of contract workers may not have been satisfactory, but it was not illegal,” she wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AM7TWGHMGZE5VLRAF5XBJKJ4PA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098770},"content":"She concluded that the issue of retrospection had been considered in the discussions between management and trade union officials representing the workers which led to the retrospection deal being offered in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODJGH5M2SNFFZIHCVVDT2V4KJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098771},"content":"She noted that the broadcaster had paid €44,326.06 to the Department of Social Protection in respect of the complainant’s PRSI entitlements going back to July 2008 — calling it a “considerable benefit” to the editor that came as a result of the talks which was “retrospective in nature”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMBHEUSQ5RFMFBFDX6LXLESULM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098772},"content":"The complainant had opted in to the part of the “voluntary” process led to her getting a contract of employment, but had opted out of the retrospection deal, the adjudicator concluded. Ms McGrath said she could not see how providing the employment contract could create “backdated benefits” which were “clearly unintended”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GET5HKZQTZFUDMQRPEUK73V2JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098773},"content":"Ms McGrath recommended the broadcaster “extend the time for the payment of the ex gratia lump sum of €10,500 for a further 12 weeks”, and recommended the same of “other terms and conditions attaching to this sum”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"WRC gives worker more time to consider retrospective benefits deal already tabled by broadcaster"},"display_date":"2024-11-07T17:20:35.967Z","headlines":{"basic":"RTÉ editor says ‘bogus’ contractor deals cost her €238,000 ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM","auth":{"1":"88240aa4194253806c0e75b146baf5726c501e4e6b332068ffa6f2a3afd81637"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/07/rte-editor-says-bogus-contractor-deals-cost-her-238k/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"2JXDTGDN5JBALO26N2HG3RVE7I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":375,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9e6b0518-4135-48aa-95e4-dcdc90e2d070/versions/1730823634/media/e02a6313052a00948fff52d0d428b767_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/07/what-monzo-millionaires-can-teach-us-about-share-options/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TGBPVK3TLBA3JGPK7SX23PGEII","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713970},"content":"Thousands of staff members at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/monzo/\" target=\"_blank\">Monzo</a>, the digital bank famed for its coral-coloured bank cards, could soon be in the pink.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPBOIS3HXNHWFI4G3BA35VOCDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713971},"content":"Two big investors in the fast-growing fintech are set to expand their stakes by buying stock from Monzo employees who were awarded share options as part of their overall pay package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKOSMFM77ZG5XOXNRA63G7E46A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713972},"content":"The bank isn’t listed on the stock market (yet) but the price the investors are paying is estimated to create about 15 Monzo millionaires based on the number of share options some staff are holding.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDRCKPWNXJHWTCVZOO4IJIHGKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713973},"content":"Monzo employees must decide if they want to take part by the end of next week, and can sell up to 40 per cent of their stakes. As options are typically awarded every year, long-serving staff members could reap a windfall before tax equivalent to multiples of their current salary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UYWNGDU3ZF5DPHQAHR2IFNXN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713974},"content":"Share options are commonly used in the start-up world to incentivise staff with the prospect of future riches in lieu of a chunky salary. They could turn out to be worthless – never forget that many early stage companies crash and burn – but Monzo staff are not the only ones to hit pay dirt recently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2NSDW3H3ZGOFK2Q56OQYMQPZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713975},"content":"This summer, staff at newly minted bank <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/revolut/\" target=\"_blank\">Revolut </a>cashed out options worth a cool $500 million (€459 million) in a secondary sale to investors. And this week, staff at Moneybox, the savings and investment platform, were told they could sell up to 10 per cent of their holdings in a £70 million (€83.4 million) sale to new investors. Kerching!","type":"text"},{"_id":"7WQOHET7VZGCZIGESJCQ2E5QPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Twenty years ago, options were a perk that tended to be offered to the C-suite and board of directors, says Matthew Emms, tax partner at BDO, an advisory firm. It is now common for staff to be offered some kind of ownership stake, as companies recognise the power of incentivising the workforce to increase the value of a business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZCYRGHTTBCB7BAVNBXC3NKAGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713979},"content":"However, it pays to understand how options work and the questions you should ask in job interviews if they form part of your overall package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3YVMGT6P5B65C3YVGOOTGFNMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713980},"content":"Essentially, you are trading your talent and hard work for a share in the future, as yet unknown, value of the company you work for. The business will grant you the option to acquire a certain number of shares at a mutually agreed price at some future point when – if all goes to plan – they will hopefully be worth substantially more.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWDYXWYDEBFDXAEUEJ67M3BWKI","additional_properties":{"_id":"KPLGVJUZ5RBO3B4NUCIXFXGPKI"},"content":"Thinking of changing your job? It’s about more than pay and perks","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UBVUTC6X4JGJLEJNFLF54YQRUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713981},"content":"Acquiring some equity in an unlisted company is one thing; actually being able to cash in your chips and sell is entirely another. The number one thing to understand is: what’s the exit plan? What needs to happen for you to realise this future reward?","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6THFERTQBBOBNLSVRETNHX4V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713982},"content":"Your overall chances of success depend on where the company sits in the life cycle from a start-up (higher risk) to a more mature business (lower risk) and what kind of corporate event will be needed for you to exit. This could be a stock market listing, a trade sale or employees selling down stakes to larger investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QV3RSDKJ3VEYVLKSK3IBBZ5DMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713983},"content":"Estimating the likely value of your options by that point is more of an art than a science, but what’s the timescale likely to be? If you’re working all hours earning a salary below the market rate, can you realistically stick it out for that long?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPOIQ2XMYZCFTOZLX7VUEQTOXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730821583797},"content":"Sages point out this is why you need to understand the business you are investing your career potential in before you commit, adding you will really need to love the work and the company culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOKH7B2MTZGNFAVQS576AI7J6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713984},"content":"Options are used as a retention tool – businesses spread out the rewards to avoid staff getting one big payout and then leaving. You need to know the vesting schedule and “the cliff” – the minimum period you would need to stick around to get some shares.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KXT44RTHCBHC7OBZIZ6IMGIR7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713985},"content":"For example, a two-year cliff at 50 per cent would mean on the second anniversary of your employment, half of your entitlement would vest, meaning you can exercise your option and acquire these shares. Depending on the structure your firm uses, you might have to fund this from your own resources, or you may be able to deduct your option exercise price from the eventual sale proceeds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGCP3TP7BBB7RPRNVRTCF4TSZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713986},"content":"Emms points out that, just like bonuses, options are often awarded subject to meeting certain performance conditions (your own, the company’s or both).","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GK7TLPF45BR7KG5EUO7UMV3EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730821583801},"content":"But if you cease to be employed by the company, what happens then? This will depend on whether you are a good leaver or a bad leaver (an example of the latter could be leaving to work for a competitor). Be aware that different employers will have different definitions of these terms. Note also that in recent secondary sales, existing staff have been prioritised ahead of staff who have left the business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X54LDFIVWBEBLDUAUNWNDSVDRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"HMG4NQHXQZCVVN2UJ5RASOC4UM"},"content":"Jobs market shows signs of weakening","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KLY23G4UY5B4JE5GDQHXKP4RJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713987},"content":"If you make it to the exit and can sell some of your shares, the next question is: how much tax will you need to pay?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZNAFAZ7NBDFVJWXSNDONBSBOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713988},"content":"This will depend on the type of share options you have been awarded. Unapproved share option plans (that is, those not offered via a specific tax-advantaged scheme) will normally be subject to income tax, national insurance and universal social charge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONJRMINYCNGUXBRJ4E7DHZZXYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713990},"content":"More mature listed companies may offer staff Share Incentive Plans or Save As You Earn (SAYE) schemes, which work on similar principles. After three to five years, you can acquire shares for free or at a discounted price.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4J2MWSO35NBWFJT5MKJ24YQXP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713991},"content":"If you are weighing up two job offers against one another, it pays to know the difference. And just as salaries can be negotiated, you could also argue for a more generous allocation of options.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7B2ASOS3RALVE3F7RO2K4H3KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713992},"content":"“Go into any interviews with your eyes open, as once you’ve signed a contract, your opportunity to negotiate will be lost,” says Emms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG6B2SGRTVAHHGRBZGUSNN2GQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713993},"content":"Finally, while options are a great way of building wealth, they also carry concentration risk – too much of your fortune could be tied to your employer’s success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJHG3PFZQBBBVMKHI7ZF4P7IME","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713994},"content":"In the past, I acquired shares in Pearson, then owner of the Financial Times, via a SAYE scheme. When my options vested, I was able to buy shares for about £5 when they were trading above £10. Thankfully, I cashed out and diversified into a tracker fund before a string of profit warnings caused its shares to slump.","type":"text"},{"_id":"COYLWDCS4VCRJEAASR5NRKNOWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713995},"content":"If the business you work for hits a bump in the road, the plunging value of your share options could be the least of your worries if your job is at risk. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Claer Barrett"}]},"description":{"basic":"If you’re offered options as part of your pay package, what questions should you ask and what pitfalls should you be aware of?"},"display_date":"2024-11-07T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"What ‘Monzo millionaires’ can teach us about share options","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"B2GPJABDPBHRZIMF57WVO6ES3M","auth":{"1":"c33fc302e875f96d2b10d5693abe8d968f6f18d3ea530404a117e4594d2da52d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/B2GPJABDPBHRZIMF57WVO6ES3M.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/07/what-monzo-millionaires-can-teach-us-about-share-options/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"IRIOHTR56ZGQRA3EYKSLJTVTPQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":340,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1f8c3f6f-3e6e-43ec-a51d-a0bae9dad289/versions/1730918582/media/7153b4454356f84b255d5e8fdb274538_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/irish-prison-officer-challenges-sacking-for-going-awol-to-fight-in-ukraine/","content_elements":[{"_id":"65DLDGFHSFA5DGV2NYJNBARS2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949234},"content":"A prison officer who went Awol to fight in the Ukrainian international legion was sacked after a senior official saw him give a TV interview from his hospital bed when he was severely wounded in action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTLUIIDQFNESNALRSNM7I5KH6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949235},"content":"Brian Meagher “went [off] his own back for his own principles” to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ukraine-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\">front line in Ukraine</a> and suffered “horrendous, life-threatening wounds” when a landmine exploded during an ambush on September 5th, 2022, his barrister told the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/workplace-relations-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)</a> on Wednesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLVNP46X4RFYNGCMXPH54JI2AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949236},"content":"He has lodged a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against the Irish Prison Service (IPS) after being dismissed the following spring on the basis that he had absented himself without permission and broken the terms of his employment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QL26ESKMXBGWDPIALKEINYONLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949237},"content":"The tribunal heard on Wednesday that the prison service continued to pay Mr Meagher for several months after rumours that he had gone off to war reached the prison service’s HR directorate – Mr Meagher’s lawyer explaining that his client had an “unofficial” arrangement with a colleague to cover his shifts for the duration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STBNPWFL35FHJGCJKL4KQYBM7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949238},"content":"Patricia Kelleher, who was then the assistant governor at Mountjoy with responsibility for human resources, said she had been told “towards the end of June” 2022 by a supervisor of Mr Meagher’s that the complainant “hadn’t reported for duty any day” since the start of the month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CDMKMHJFZF77EAQCNUQLNVRXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949239},"content":"Efforts by her office to reach Mr Meagher by phone got no answer, she said. The “rumour” among prison staff at that time was that he had gone to fight in Ukraine, Ms Kelleher said, which she reported in a phone call to the prison service’s HR directorate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILPP25E5YZG5RGHG5L3DAZSWQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949240},"content":"Ms Kelleher saw Mr Meagher’s appearance on an episode of RTÉ's Prime Time in mid-September 2022, speaking from hospital in Ukraine, the witness said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26NUJY5AM5HX3PPOSAMMFGVZ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949241},"content":"After that, the matter was referred to the service’s absence management office, which sent a letter on September 21st noting that Mr Meagher had failed to provide an explanation for his absence and it was “deemed to be absence without leave”, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTARZCD42VDZDMF6C7ZZJUFPNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949242},"content":"“All absences have an explanation, and if there’s none, it’s Awol,” said Colette Mulvey, the official in charge of the absence management office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJPMW4NN3FBU5M7GGUUM3AB36U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949243},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBS5BKNLWZEGHE2CE3HXJPVDYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949244},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RNPGQ45AVB5PM6TPSUYJLSZYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949245},"content":"On October 7th, 2022, she said she prepared a submission to the prison service’s director general. “We’ve been paying this man from June to September. He hasn’t been at work; we’re recommending he be dismissed,” Ms Mulvey said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKRGYJZE7JC47LU4MC257OIJBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949246},"content":"“We can’t have a situation whereby people just don’t turn up – we tried to give every opportunity to Mr Meagher,” she said, adding later that Mountjoy Prison, where Mr Meagher had worked, was in “crisis mode” at the time of the absence, with prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNKNFWTZSBGWJICBL246DPR4KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949247},"content":"She said it was “disingenuous” to suggest other prison officers were covering Mr Meagher’s shifts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGKYE3UGKRA2FFEYX5MGIURMSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949248},"content":"She said during this process Mr Meagher “started providing medical certification, but we were dealing with his absence being unauthorised”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMBG5XP5LNFJJHDFCSNDDDXLYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949249},"content":"“It was tried to be turned retrospectively into a sick leave absence, but his absence was already unauthorised for three months before that,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OSJVVGLVRDEHM2MQHPN2NAX3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949250},"content":"The case was referred to the prison service director general and then to the secretary general of the Department of Justice, who ultimately decided to dismiss Mr Meagher in February 2023, the witness said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWWQ7IUMEJCNZABAZ4MKYOXIOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949251},"content":"Peter Leonard BL, for the State, said the prison service was “a very large-minded organisation” and that explanations would always be considered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2JAA6E3H5AWNEFGEX6RGKG5WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949252},"content":"“In the abstract, if someone looks at this, they might take a very positive view of someone taking part [in the Ukraine war]. In our case, we have to manage the prisons of Ireland. There’s a staff crisis in the prison service. If someone wants to leave, or take a career break... there are processes and procedures,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QREI3OZ6D5EHHNQUKQSKPVM7FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949253},"content":"The prison service was “under pressure staff-wise” and could not have the position where a prison officer “abandons” work. He submitted that Mr Meagher seemed to have been in “a contractual relationship with a military organisation to take part in the war”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQJK7LFOKNG5TPFP46HF4BALZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949254},"content":"Brian Carroll BL, appearing for Mr Meagher, said his client “went to Ukraine to fight with the foreign legion” and “went there without any remuneration... went on his own back for his own principles”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSHGCO5MUFH6FDZPXY36WVL5SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949255},"content":"He said there was an “unofficial” system of shift swaps among prison officers and that Mr Meagher “took it upon himself” to make arrangements to “manage his shift while he was away”. “You could call it naive because of his reliance on this system in the Irish Prison Service,” he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLARL6F7HRG4FJEZK6CJDXE7AY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949256},"content":"He said his client’s unit was ambushed on September 5th, 2022, and left him suffering “horrendous, life-threatening injuries” – a situation compounded when his client contracted a “superbug” during a stay in Cork University Hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZ7OH22JZJC7FCHG6NE4V7A3GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949257},"content":"Mr Meagher addressed the hearing once to confirm that he was repatriated to Ireland at the end of October 2022. He is expected to give evidence at a later stage in the proceedings, as the State bears the burden of proving his dismissal was fair in the first instance, and must present its evidence first.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QG7DSFR3ZBMXJ2PO6YXLWOBCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949258},"content":"Adjudicator Brian Dalton adjourned the case to a future date, to be set in due course by the WRC’s schedulers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Brian Meagher gave TV interview from hospital bed after suffering ‘horrendous, life-threatening wounds’ during ambush on September 5th, 2022"},"display_date":"2024-11-06T17:29:15.871Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish prison officer challenges sacking for going Awol to fight in Ukraine","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"X4SYIWK2WZDPBA4AGWQMASHG6U","auth":{"1":"db4a397fdbaa8319a68946c8292de954f559d229688636e505b35671c7c1a073"},"focal_point":{"x":592,"y":339},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/X4SYIWK2WZDPBA4AGWQMASHG6U.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/irish-prison-officer-challenges-sacking-for-going-awol-to-fight-in-ukraine/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"IUUSMJUSMBHIJNZWEUWOSPDCXY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":163,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/65ebd5bb-6d6b-4717-bfdc-da2c72343711/versions/1730836019/media/c25a642b8bf1e4d75bfd802f96698c65_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/new-pay-deal-for-almost-50000-construction-workers-set-to-be-approved/","content_elements":[{"_id":"V4LMRYIIRNEN7PRT4LNBWK4O4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921121},"content":"Minister for State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/emer-higgins/\" target=\"_blank\">Emer Higgins</a> says she expects to be able to formally approve a Sectoral Employment Order providing for pay increases for almost 50,000 workers in the construction sector before the end of the week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGT36GHIUJFU7KQXHTLMMRNI3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921122},"content":"The pay deal recommended by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-court/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Court</a> provides for increases of 6.6 per cent over two years to about 46,600 workers but is required to be formally approved by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil</a> and Joint Oireachtas Committee for Enterprise and Employment before the Minister can sign it into effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCCJUGAWGFF23NLXXLOHUGJ6DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921123},"content":"“I need both the committee and the Dáil to note what the court has recommended and I expect that all to happen,” said Ms Higgins on Tuesday. “Assuming that all happens as expected then I will be in a position to sign the order on Thursday.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGFHDNTMRBHVFJG5KFAU3WLK7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921124},"content":"The SEO will impact both craft and general workers employed across the sector and provides for increases of 3.4 per cent in August of next year and 3.2 per cent in August of 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDRXGCG7PJAUHM4MKZJVYBHDXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921125},"content":"During the talks, the union side is reported to have sought increases of about 6 per cent in each of the two years to be covered by the deal while industry representatives are said to have offered about 2 per cent per annum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTHSYE2BKZACZPB2JLPO6BP4RE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921126},"content":"In the deal recommended, the minimum standard hourly rates for workers in the sector would increase from €20.03 to €20.71 next year while minimum rates for craft workers would rise from €22.24 to €23.00. Lower rates for new entrants and apprentices would still apply.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3E6VFMKKY5AYLEC2LAW5FREIGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921127},"content":"Pension and sick pay contributions are also to be increased.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJ5SBDDFUNF7HOY42BFQVINIBA","additional_properties":{"_id":"CFJKGSMI6BGWZIXRFVJ3V2XP2U"},"content":"Sharp drop in productivity across Irish construction and accommodation","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BXCTKWRJOZBCPDLVEBQA6GYADI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921128},"content":"The implementation of the deal had been threatened by the imminent general election, with unions concerned in recent weeks that it might not get the required approvals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTATLA76DVDW7NANGX44K6NNUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921129},"content":"The Connect trade union, meanwhile, is to ballot about 4,500 of its members, mainly plumbers and pipe fitters, on a deal for the mechanical sector which was agreed at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/workplace-relations-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">Workplace Relations Commission</a> last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXTE34CK5JBV3EBIIHKDTRNYUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921130},"content":"The terms are similar to those contained in the SEO, with an increase of 3.4 per cent due to be implemented on May 1st, 2025, and a further 3.2 per cent on May 1st, 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVHAJBHEIFEH5BMS52GND6LLXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921131},"content":"The deal also includes a provision for a new higher rate for those with 10 years’ post-apprentice experience of €28.10 per hour, to come into effect from January 1st of next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sectoral Employment Order expected to be discussed by Oireachtas and Dáil committee on Wednesday before being signed by Minister on Thursday"},"display_date":"2024-11-06T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"New pay deal for almost 50,000 construction workers set to be approved","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2VBIKAIP3ZDRTO65QEUIGK4TUA","auth":{"1":"5e9476d1e73bc9206a7531a48ffcc4ee9591dbdb7d7e7e0b3bb39a4bd1e55ccb"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2VBIKAIP3ZDRTO65QEUIGK4TUA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/new-pay-deal-for-almost-50000-construction-workers-set-to-be-approved/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"FIOVKG57MJEWTJSQS35FNC2WLE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":254,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/e57f4876-3686-4058-9943-3687a45a7412/versions/1730646010/media/db70ad7dd6415e95f60412b3653dc705_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/pilita-clark-the-dos-and-donts-of-the-email-introduction/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3UEXMISIXBBJ3ELQHV3R3R6VJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768946},"content":"Out of the blue earlier this year a man I have known for years sent me an email introduction to one of his work contacts that was such a striking example of the genre that it has stuck in my mind ever since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLNYSQG7M5HSXOGJ77SNWQIKUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768947},"content":"In the space of a few charming words he conveyed the brilliance of the contact, who was copied into the mail, and larded his description of me so lavishly that I barely recognised myself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVGLNUESYNAM5HGX2HJ5PELP4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768948},"content":"He promised both of us we would have much to gossip about and would undoubtedly hit it off, all of which proved to be true when we duly caught up in person. This, I thought later, did exactly what an email introduction should do. Produce a meeting that is useful, mutually beneficial and fun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J37A4DIN3NAKZEHSLJFABFO2GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768950},"content":"So why are so many email introductions so dismal in comparison and why are some still utterly woeful?","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSPJB2R52FCVFB2PHXGDE3B7U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768951},"content":"One answer is obvious. Far too many break the basic rule that an introducer should almost always check to make sure both parties are happy to be introduced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YO5AICATAVE3VN74JHJ2OW4MEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768952},"content":"I say “almost” because, in the cheering example I’ve just cited this rule was not obeyed. It didn’t matter in this case because the introducer knew me well enough to be sure that a) I would like to meet his contact and b) I had met said contact briefly in the past. But these conditions cannot be taken for granted, which is why the check-first rule is vital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFIS72GLY5E2PAKQGJVVP37HBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768954},"content":"The perils of ignoring it were once memorably spelt out by the US organisational psychologist and author David Burkus, who early in his career began to follow some ghastly sounding networking advice to introduce two people every week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHG56QEV4VFL3JG4OYTORMAJHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768955},"content":"As he wrote in the Harvard Business Review he was soon firing off emails, including one in which he introduced a friend to a fairly well-known author with whom Burkus had once collaborated. The author promptly fired back his own message: “Not cool. Please reach out first for permission to share my contact information.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JN4V4B4QAVCYDGFLR7H4INEQEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768956},"content":"I can think of many occasions when it would have been in order to send an equally cutting message to would-be introducers at much later stages of their careers who gaily break the check-first rule.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJSDD6YMRRGCBD2SDWUJEMMOLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768957},"content":"The worst offenders are those who receive a request to do something dull and time-consuming from a contact they want to keep on side. Instead of politely declining they shoot back a reply, copying in a hapless colleague or acquaintance who they disingenuously declare would make a brilliant replacement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGF7DRTJSJCHPA2ATHCLDM5VVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768958},"content":"There really is no excuse for lumbering others with this sort of time-wasting stuff without checking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJK462VOVRD2ZOIJKCFSBJMZQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768959},"content":"Likewise if someone outside your organisation asks you to introduce them to an overburdened colleague so they can burden them further with a favour here’s what not do to: dash off a reply, copying in the unsuspecting colleague while assuring the requester that this person will be thrilled to hear from them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XBCHK6VJRAP3OMYGT5322BA7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768960},"content":"There may of course be times when things work out. But it is obviously always better, for both requester and requestee, to check beforehand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVF3UFNFBVAOXFS3HS7LDFYFUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768961},"content":"The reason this so often fails to happen is simple: it takes time that busy people never have enough of. In fact as I type these words I cannot be 100 per cent sure I have never committed these sins myself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6G5GIIVXVZA5DMUZNUKTQYDPJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768962},"content":"I’m also aware of how easy it is for people with relatively secure jobs in big organisations (like mine) to ignore perfectly reasonable requests for help from outsiders. I am reminded of this every time I go on LinkedIn, a seething hotbed of random networking introductions that heavy users tell me can be difficult to navigate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLNH4PTT4JFSRGLRH3ULLFF6R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768964},"content":"Still, this is what LinkedIn is for. The clue is in the name. Speaking of which, I have failed to mention another aspect of email introductions that for some reason causes great consternation: the best way to reply to both an introducer and a stranger. Do you address both people at the start? Or just the person you’re being introduced to? And how long do you keep the introducer in the email chain?","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZBXEJMBMNG4JGRCYEB65WLI5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768965},"content":"An entirely new column could be written about this but it would basically say it is pretty much fine to do whatever feels best in each situation. Just remember to never do anything to anyone that you wouldn’t like done to yourself. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sending a ‘clunker’ to save yourself time while landing a colleague or acquaintance with extra work does no one any favours"},"display_date":"2024-11-04T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pilita Clark: The dos and don’ts of the email introduction","native":"Pilita Clark: The dos and don’ts of the email introduction"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IWZPXA52AJBXBIWWK4RK7UVVVA","auth":{"1":"174038f24e3d6c0b3d563700ee70995cbfbf33739558350338f529b368155a76"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IWZPXA52AJBXBIWWK4RK7UVVVA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/pilita-clark-the-dos-and-donts-of-the-email-introduction/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"BMXJ4EHWUVCVVATBOL46VV44ZU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":156,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0d26582f-bae7-486d-98d7-711d2e9af3ed/versions/1730657980/media/71c9be019ad90485c826b1e35ae81645_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/tesco-looking-to-hire-1200-temporary-staff-for-christmas-rush/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DLYYTF774ZGHFP2QRYF654BJLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100717},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesco/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesco </a>has announced plans to hire almost 1,200 seasonal staff to meet the expected increase in demand in the run-up to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/christmas/\" target=\"_blank\">Christmas </a>across its 178 stores across the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UIEDBUEGQ5BF5HXU2OA7UIRYYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100718},"content":"The company said the temporary roles were designed to offer flexible hours and a variety of shift options to make them attractive for people looking for work over the Christmas season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"35K2ZHLO6REGPGHS42EAF5QXGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100719},"content":"A spokesman said recruitment was already under way, with applicants being interviews over the next couple of weeks and the roles going live from the last week of this month. The roles available include serving customers, stocking shelves, and picking orders for home delivery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL24KLWBYNA3JND2OQ2NMQ2N7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656483132},"content":"The grocer is looking for 256 part-time staff in Dublin, with 80 or more being recruited for counties Mayo, Galway, Cork and Kildare. The numbers fall from there to as few as 10 roles in Roscommon and Longford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJ5A7K4ULJHHRE27VPMIW2VACQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100720},"content":"“Whether you’re looking for extra hours to suit your schedule or seeking new opportunities these roles offer a chance to contribute to a dynamic and supportive team,” a spokesman for Tesco said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WVD7ZFXYKBAYVAOGOA3ZP2DR34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100721},"content":"The supermarket group said festive staff would also have access to a package of benefits as soon as they start working for the group. These include access to a virtual GP and online prescription service, which is also available to family members living at the same address as staff at reduced rates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M37523CNGBBGZJUE6K4GTTNWBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100722},"content":"“We are delighted to be creating almost 1,200 additional festive roles across the country this Christmas,” said Maurice Kelly, people director at Tesco Ireland. Tesco employs 13,500 staff across the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WI3RW3KDKJGCTONPMBH2MCFXVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100723},"content":"“At Tesco we know how important it is to offer meaningful and flexible job opportunities alongside offering existing colleagues the chance to benefit from additional seasonal hours too. The festive season is a fantastic time to join our team, and we’re pleased to offer new colleagues an industry-leading benefits package from day one.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTNKWOKTV5G6FEIRBWGD4XCJ5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100724},"content":"Application is done online at <a href=\"https://roi.tesco-careers.com/festive/\" target=\"_blank\">https://roi.tesco-careers.com/festive/</a>. Tesco said temporary festive staff will have the chance to apply for any permanent roles that may come available if they are interested in staying on in the job.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Supermarket group promises flexible hours and shift options in effort to attract festive staff for 178 stores"},"display_date":"2024-11-04T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tesco looking to hire 1,200 temporary staff for Christmas rush","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EJC5U7HRKBG4ZJEDPFLIRIP5GY","auth":{"1":"d0f33961555bcd47ce15678a320df2b28a8441923e829b1c6f3bd51372413a71"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EJC5U7HRKBG4ZJEDPFLIRIP5GY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/tesco-looking-to-hire-1200-temporary-staff-for-christmas-rush/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"5DF46KA3DJH2TKQCBANUMOKHRY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":336,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8d648945-4098-4c7f-8151-e342fb2e78b3/versions/1730381307/media/59a250a2767e8d810f5429ac6b0deb9a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/03/standing-in-the-donegal-rain-sunny-malta-sounded-appealing/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OE5JOOCP75B5XOZO6XXM5MC2MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726512},"content":"Castlebar-born solicitor Fiona Healy was standing in Letterkenny bus station on her way home from a funeral in November 2010. It was a miserable winter’s evening and the rain was pouring down when her phone rang. It was her cousin Brendan calling from (sunny) Malta to tell her about a job on the island he thought she might be interested in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUND4FANSRE7NFDTKGKPYMSUL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726513},"content":"At the time, Healy was working in a small legal practice in Dublin, mainly doing conveyancing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4E2WNPEY4VG6VDQAY4L5VMXXLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842156},"content":"“The recession had hit, my workload had diminished significantly and the thought of moving to a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mediterranean/\" target=\"_blank\">Mediterranean</a> island with 300 days of sunshine was very inviting,” says Healy, who had previously spent three years with McCann Fitzgerald specialising in commercial property.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYEZTJ2UCRFOXLGKCYVRCMRLGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726514},"content":"“Malta had just passed some innovative legislation to make the jurisdiction more attractive to airlines and they were planning a big push to bring in new registration business – much as they had done with the yacht register, which is one of the largest in the world,” Healy says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSQGIZQ25NAVHLAA3KJY7XIOAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726515},"content":"“I had no aviation experience at the time, but as the authorities there were just beginning to develop the sector it was an ideal time to educate myself and enter the market. I set up Aircraft Corporate Services on behalf of the Alpine Group, to provide legal assistance to clients for the registration of aircraft, in 2011.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVCOSMMMWVDKDLYIX7YODYNWYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842159},"content":"“I figured I would give it a few years before returning to Ireland. However, I hadn’t expected to love working in aviation quite as much as I did. Now I can’t imagine working in any other sector,” adds Healy, whose interests outside work include travel, yoga and Pilates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ3M4JV2WFDHZJ5LN3EJQGM6GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726516},"content":"Healy has now been in Malta for 13 years apart from a short stint working in Canada and the UK. “I really missed living in the Med and the variety of having different clients, so I decided to go back to Malta and set up my own aviation consultancy, FCF Assets, in 2015,” she says. “It was a risky move at the time as I had signed a lease on an apartment and set up the business without any clients. Fortunately, I had my first solo project within a month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQKFCAVGPJFEXBSGMJIVNRKITU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726517},"content":"“Business aviation is very much a global community and my contacts have been incredibly helpful. I don’t have a website and all my business is by word of mouth,” adds Healy, who lives in Sliema, about 20 minutes from the Maltese capital, Valletta,","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMEBJB724JEZ7J35HQUYUHF4FE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726518},"content":"Her job involves project-managing start-ups by business jet operators, commercial airlines (large and small), helicopter operators and, more recently, drones, and is by her own admission “very niche”. She also helps outsource partners for operating and maintaining aircraft to get established in Malta.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PD22S4RX3RBSJFW5YJQMFRXJTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726519},"content":"“I assist with business strategy and act as a conduit to the civil aviation directorate, customs and other Maltese government departments. I guide my clients through the steps required to expedite the certification of an airline and assist post-certification on a variety of issues,” Healy says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5EF62QGVFFEBKVNC67YREDFFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726520},"content":"“I am exceptionally proud of my years spent contributing to the aviation sector here, having facilitated the addition of eight airlines and 67 aircraft to the Malta registry to date. I am currently working on my ninth airline project, which I hope to complete in November. My tenth should be ready to start in Q1 of next year. When I started here there were 12 airlines. Now there are 52 and growing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHUBFWNTERDKTD7CZS2HFLPWYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FES2UTFYHRGY5NQZQSIX2KA3NU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"AA723NVNH5HHFPA7DMG3JWWZEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726521},"content":"Healy says the Maltese are “incredibly business minded”, pointing out that as there are no natural resources on the island they have to bring commerce in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWOEWCX76NABNEKMS5F72DWWQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842166},"content":"“Malta has successfully made itself a massive hub for financial services, fund administration, pensions and gaming and there are over 500 gaming companies on the island,” she says. “The Maltese are very good at identifying sectors that would be beneficial for the economy and that will bring in different sectors and skills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPSGLKXGTVAMDHH5HOTHYZG5NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842167},"content":"“This was the idea behind the aircraft registration Act. The legislation also made it an attractive location for aircraft operators, not just registration, so over time it has also become more a centre for airline operations.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7MGQJWQJFCKLBARTI3T7HINM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726522},"content":"Healy says one of the big advantages of working in Malta is its compact size. “It means you have more access to those you need to talk to in order to carry out your role successfully,” she says. “When I first moved here I was able to call the gentleman who had actually drafted the aviation legislation I was dealing with if I had questions or needed any clarification.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENQ6RLY6SZCGBAFECRZOITOBDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842169},"content":"“I now serve on the executive committee for aviation and aerospace as part of the chamber of commerce and that gives me the opportunity to contribute to discussions on what the aviation industry needs to grow with government ministers and aviation advisory committees.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YESTL2GC4ZB65KZKC24C737TAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726523},"content":"Healy loves living in Malta. Apart from its history, rich culture and the sunshine, she cites the lower cost of living, the international focus and the ease of doing business (English is an official language) as the reasons why Malta appeals to her so much.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGM24LJKBVBCVBBK57XWWLHI64","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726524},"content":"“There’s a very strong Irish business community here also, which is great, and there’s an easy humour between Irish people that you don’t always get with other nationalities,” she says. “I miss my family and the green spaces of home but not the driving rain in the west of Ireland that creates the green space.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olive Keogh"}},"name":"Olive Keogh"}]},"description":{"basic":"Solicitor Fiona Healy cites the lower cost of living, the international focus and the ease of doing business as reasons why she loves living on the Mediterranean island"},"display_date":"2024-11-03T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"An Irish woman in Malta: ‘I miss my family and the greenery of home but not the driving rain’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YEJRWDMSUVDUTGZCCTQHZPEY3E","auth":{"1":"fe1cecfb8d42f27227976a831d965cf44402ac814c6b46878b1f657a4807eca7"},"focal_point":{"x":785,"y":315},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YEJRWDMSUVDUTGZCCTQHZPEY3E.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/03/standing-in-the-donegal-rain-sunny-malta-sounded-appealing/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"DC5I3J6KKZH3NK5K65EBXW3HKE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/01/tech-sector-recruitment-agency-calls-in-liquidators/","content_elements":[{"_id":"663QTFFG5BFELCWVR5L45H6G6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764697},"content":"The High Court has appointed provisional liquidators to a Dublin recruitment agency that specialises in the tech sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VF2KJ4OORFHUHJCB3PAQBTYJQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764698},"content":"Mr Justice Mark Sanfey appointed Declan Clancy of Status Corporate Advisory and Barry Forrest of Forrest & Company as provisional liquidators to Allen Recruitment Consulting Ltd, with registered offices at Pembroke Street Upper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LOQCLU72VCT5IRYHHOUCDPS2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764699},"content":"It followed an application by barrister Ross Gorman on behalf of the company, whose directors are Brian Cunningham and Louise Allen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34RHOWJIKZHODPSPO77PRDCT6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764700},"content":"The company, which was set up in 2000, said it provides temporary and contract staff for multinational firms, particularly in the tech industry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4N6R5USTZA6VF6WNGOXR5ILTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764701},"content":"It grew slowly up to 2019, breaking even or making a modest profit. In January 2020, it had 16 administrative staff who placed its agency staff with client companies. At that point it placed 111 agency staff with clients.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MXMR5NXH5FYRBGN3CRVYPELII","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764702},"content":"It grew very rapidly during the pandemic, placing more than 600 people in temporary employment and had 70 people directly employed in its Dublin office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JWSW6NLGZHP5ICQLLOHF4LSJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764703},"content":"By March 2022, it had a peak agency staff of 355 but demand began to decline. The firm had warehoused a lot of debt to Revenue, which the court heard stands at some €5 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VAEWDX7VWZBNTL2WLIETBCS3EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764705},"content":"An expansion into seven European countries in recent years, along with finance for office space and local employees, ultimately proved unsuccessful, the petition said. The money loaned for that expansion was not recoverable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XWX73JF5RBKVLLI5HNNLG6IL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764706},"content":"A survival plan, in which overheads were trimmed and staff numbers cut by 50 per cent as the decline in demand for agency staff continued, failed to turn the business around. It had also entered into an instalment arrangement in 2024 to pay off the €5 million warehoused Revenue debt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VM54ALT4IZDC5FAPJ3FEJAN624","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764707},"content":"The company was clearly insolvent and, given its current financial position, it said, it would not be in a position to pay staff for work they undertake in November.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7Z5W7EFMGNEAFLOLVCZ4NEFHK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764708},"content":"Agency staff get paid by Allen Recruitment the first week of the month after they have worked but it can be up to two months before the company is paid that money by its clients. The company is due to be paid around €1.2 million by its clients for work done in September and October this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPBO5VH7LZFP5GCR563DXGKE6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764710},"content":"If it does not pay staff their wages, clients will terminate their contracts and will not in turn pay invoices. As a result the directors made the decision to apply to have provisional liquidators appointed. The directors have informed clients of the insolvency and are working to ensure agency staff are engaged by other agencies so that they can continue to work for clients, the petition said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2J62S7RDTVBTHOSJY2PDMSTKFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764712},"content":"The directors believe if there is a fairly seamless transition, the €1.2 million it is due from clients will be paid even if it goes into liquidation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TTZS37BJ5BNHGKU33ABPUIYV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764713},"content":"Mr Justice Sanfey was satisfied that a controlled wind down of the company was appropriate and the appointment of the provisional liquidators with a view to conducting the affairs of the firm is the only way the assets can be protected in a proper manner. He said the case could come back to court later this month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Post-Covid downturn in demand for agency staff in tech sector crippled firm that expanded rapidly during pandemic"},"display_date":"2024-11-01T17:24:03.042Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tech sector recruitment agency calls in liquidators ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QW3UCOFZ7JHALP6D34MDPCWR54","auth":{"1":"c6d69e7a118f0a7344f17ebbe1b927a49f936c28cfce12a061b5a13aa2503969"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QW3UCOFZ7JHALP6D34MDPCWR54.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Courts"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/01/tech-sector-recruitment-agency-calls-in-liquidators/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"2JDJMBJZ4VCGPABHU2UIPWK6BU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/your-work-questions-answered-my-hours-have-been-cut-but-someone-new-has-been-hired-can-my-employer-do-this/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UCIEF4GBLRH7HP6VIO4TY4LK6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153549},"content":"<b>Our hours have been cut due to rising costs, according to our employer. Now we find out they are hiring a new staff member with a full contract.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5KLWPERHFFFNBAOT4RTCKFB44","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153550},"content":"<b>I thought this should not be allowed unless our employer offered the cut hours back to staff and they did not want to take them back?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSOLQFALXZHW5EA7PXJ2IWPKWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153551},"content":"While this may seem unfair based on the information to hand, it depends on the type of work this new employee has been hired to do, says independent HR consultant and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/work\" target=\"_blank\">work</a>place investigator <b>Michelle Halloran</b>, of Halloran HR Resolutions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MX4OPXXLLRHFPHED2ZZKUCZT7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153552},"content":"“If a new staff member has been hired to do the same job as the people whose hours have been cut, then certainly I would question that decision because that doesn’t seem fair,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USOULNWWDRGRZP7JFLLQKFET6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153553},"content":"However, if the new staff member has been hired to fulfil a different role to those who have had their hours cut, that would be a different story entirely, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQEC6BAEKFBTNEAAPE62LFAMOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153554},"content":"Hiring someone into a specialist role that no employee already within the organisation would have been able to perform would be valid, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYSVSFZRVZDRVK7VWN2KYZMLPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153555},"content":"“Say the employees who have had their hours cut are manufacturing operatives and the new staff member is a quality technician brought in for regulatory reasons, well then you’re comparing apples with oranges,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJA7LNUP2VGUZHBCPUUTSJWDPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153556},"content":"However, if the new employee has indeed been hired to fulfil the same role as those who have had their hours cut, “it may be advisable to raise a grievance and question the fairness of that decision”, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTRVHMTIAFAXHB2WBAQRJQI5KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"Y2RNBWMWVRCFTNFFRHANJ4WSVY"},"content":"Your work questions answered: My employee has changed hours without permission, what can I do?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LBAYEL3M5NFU5O4JDYVKDX37BY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153557},"content":"<b>Damien McCarthy</b>, founder and chief executive of consultancy firm HR Buddy, advises seeking further information on the employer’s decision to cut hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHOTWOGFTZB6VL64QAILYAFXVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153558},"content":"“If your employer has told you that they are unable to continue employing you on your current terms and conditions of employment you always need to consider your employer’s request very carefully,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NPB72DPEJHIFIMSE53KIYP5NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153559},"content":"This constitutes a change to an employee’s contract of employment, he says, adding that any change to this contract must be agreed by the employee and the employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJDUQPDOFVG4XDBDCAQSOTWA6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153560},"content":"“They should ask their employer for details of the reduced business activity or increased costs, who else has been asked to reduce their hours of work or pay and what was the criteria for selection,” he says, the latter of which must be reasonable and applied fairly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RLRBVLU5ZRBI3D7LUVN33JKV4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153561},"content":"“If there is a downturn in business or rising costs and they don’t accept a cut to their pay or hours, their employer may make them redundant,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXZDGJC52RDELOZ3EZOJ7A7K6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153562},"content":"He suggests requesting written details of the change in working hours, including a review date, further advising to stress that any acceptance on behalf of the reader is temporary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5DZG64YJZFVZBWL7MRBCLLKXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153563},"content":"“At the review date, the change to your contract can be reconsidered and you can ask to return to the original terms and conditions of your contract,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6ICBPQYFFGBXLII4BQNYWDC5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153564},"content":"However, if internal processes fail, employees are entitled to make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXUTCLWHHRBWZAXNY5XUUPVJTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153565},"content":"Often when an employer insists on reducing an employee’s working hours or pay, the worker may feel they have no choice but to resign, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5EFBUSGINBTZDXMV7XQFHBCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153566},"content":"In that case, “they can claim constructive dismissal because their employer has breached the terms of their contract. Before they do this, they should always get detailed legal advice as proving constructive dismissal can often be difficult,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CN7RZM4WURGYTASX6JYSD3RQ5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153567},"content":"Separately, if a worker feels that the cut to their hours is a breach of their employment contract, a case through the civil courts is another route, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQGSQIKGFJGRPFPAZGUA3BIFKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153568},"content":"However, like Halloran, McCarthy reiterates that the hiring of a new employee on a full-time contract as described may not be wrong or improper, as the role filled may be different from that of employees who have had their hours cut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECDPIG6KKBHOLHV2PR7ZVFUM5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153569},"content":"“However, if that new employee is being hired in the same job title or job role and has the same job duties, then it would appear that the reader has avenues for complaint and challenge as to how this has been dealt with,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7RE4JNKNHVCUVLBGSZSUFMRNWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153570},"content":"<i><b>If you have a </b></i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/work\"><i><b>work</b></i></a><i><b>-related questions you’d like to ask our team of experts, from how to deal with difficult colleagues and big workloads to career progression, you can submit your question in the form below</b></i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MWUHEYM4RCNHFUCK5HBGGFND4","additional_properties":{"_id":"SMVWXGGRJJHDTFZLTJC3QD66OE"},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"06bc6224-f5d5-4963-9384-6fe17918f72e\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack White"}},"name":"Jack White"}]},"description":{"basic":"Are employers allowed to hire a new full-time worker after cutting hours for other employees?"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T15:11:40.233Z","headlines":{"basic":"Your work questions answered: My hours have been cut but someone new has been hired. Can my employer do this?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HWHLHVCASBBP7LRTJU43EMRHMQ","auth":{"1":"6047d5c69eff5fee37b3070d617a80d68149bee55020afdb27a6e36046174184"},"focal_point":{"x":382,"y":196},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HWHLHVCASBBP7LRTJU43EMRHMQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/your-work-questions-answered-my-hours-have-been-cut-but-someone-new-has-been-hired-can-my-employer-do-this/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"PT3AW645CFH6BOGRA7YEFMZTK4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":474,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a5d73bfe-55b5-4832-82b8-4ebbe8716e32/versions/1730304322/media/2c2a38d7dea049d72ddb257454aab0b5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/from-intern-to-ceo-does-it-pay-to-be-a-company-lifer/","content_elements":[{"_id":"U2FWS6B5RRCVJOXUO5OMGKCMMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908067},"content":"“Nike has always been a core part of who I am,” said Elliott Hill when the sportswear company anointed him chief executive last month. This was not pure spin. After all Hill started at Nike as an intern.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQIVEQNV6NCCJCM7TOF4YPDXYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908068},"content":"The appointment is a vote of confidence in the “CEO lifer”, a small cohort of top executives including General Motors’ Mary Barra; Dave McKay at Canadian bank RBC; and Walmart’s Doug McMillon, who have risen through the ranks of their companies over the course of many years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYIQX6H2D5GT7EXJ4JRP2SSQII","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908069},"content":"Hill has spent his working life at Nike, except for a spell as a trainer at the Dallas Cowboys American football team. By selecting him to succeed John Donahoe, who had come from a tech background, previously leading eBay, the US company signalled a renewed focus on core products and a commitment to its culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMEZKNMAQVEGTBL7DMUCYDQ6WU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908070},"content":"Company lifers can bring substantial advantages to a business, says Claudius Hildebrand, co-author of The Life Cycle of a CEO and consultant at Spencer Stuart, an executive search firm. “They foster continuity and enhance morale as employees see clear pathways for their progression, which cultivates loyalty.” They have established relationships with shareholders, financiers and customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKJI2V2TZNGLPOBB3F46NJDWWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908071},"content":"The risk, however, is that executives who have spent their whole career in one company may have tunnel vision and stifle innovation due to a lack of exposure to outside ideas and influences.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WU2QPDJN3JGMVOGA5CY7YDNPDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908072},"content":"Institutional knowledge is a key asset for leaders, says Marco Amitrano, senior partner of PwC UK, who started as a graduate in the professional service firm’s Newcastle office and worked his way up to succeed Kevin Ellis this summer. He says this experience has given him the ability to understand the “organisation inside out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKHKXSJDXRBMRHRJQ442Y7ESME","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303987316},"content":"You know the culture and how it feels at every level of the firm. Employees know you understand what it takes to succeed...and that helps build trust and rapport.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XOJSDEBEU5C3PKRBFDPH6ACVQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908074},"content":"He notes that it also means leaders have stuck around long enough to see the impact of initiatives, potentially increasing accountability.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6AYHTB5JRBONNJV7JV5KVRJJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908075},"content":"Monika Hamori, associate professor of human resource management at IE Business School, says there are some instances where leaders with external experience may be more useful than those who grew up in the organisation. These might include “companies needing deep strategic changes, a turnaround, [or] companies in fast-changing industries”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2QRPOY5SZH5NCXQ4JU24GX5WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908076},"content":"However, businesses that do appoint an outsider who lacks company-specific experience can underestimate the impact of disruption. At times these hires can destabilise the top management team and risk “bringing routines and knowledge that used to work well in another organisation but may be a complete failure in a new company context”, adds Hamori.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJG7L2DT3NCY3KCTPEH2X4Y6AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908077},"content":"Data from Altrata shows that a quarter of current FTSE 100 chief executives are externally appointed, compared with 15 per cent of S&P 500 leaders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMIWEGM4IZAF3AE3YLA3KNF2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908078},"content":"The most common amount of time internal CEO appointments had worked at their company was between six and 10 years, according to Altrata. Among the largest US companies, 20 per cent of chief executives had spent more than 21 years at their company, while 7 per cent in the UK had been there that long. Just 1 per cent of S&P 500 CEOs had worked at the same company for more than 41 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPO6ZW4OHVB73H4PP7GS5MTXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908079},"content":"“In the US there is a substantial number of CEOs who were in the organisation for 30 years before they assumed the CEO position,” says Maya Imberg at Altrata.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6JGHAPQ6JVHD3PKXNT2GPZT7GM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908080},"content":"Most of these people would have held many different roles within their company, giving them a breadth of experience that external hires may lack. Hill, for example, has worked in more than a dozen roles at Nike, from a member of the sales team specialising in sports graphics to vice-president of global retail.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DY4OHHE3UVHAREKUE2QRM7G3ZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908081},"content":"“The world’s largest [companies] are enormous, often have products that are very different, have multiple brand names [and are in] multiple countries,” says Kimberly Whitler, associate professor of business administration at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. “Understanding the complexity of such an organisation is best if you have extensive experience in different geographies and functions.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4M4L7SEMNFDDHZA2YAMP4TUZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908082},"content":"Duncan Wanblad, chief executive of Anglo American, who has worked for the mining group for more than 30 years, points to his own experiences in “a variety of roles, and in different countries”. His career has included leading strategy and business development and positions in the company’s metals businesses in South America and South Africa, in addition to an array of engineering and projects roles earlier in his career. He says this has given him “the opportunity to work alongside and learn from diverse colleagues with a tremendous breadth of skill sets and experience”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXLL33FOUFEUPOSSWFWTRQKXZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908083},"content":"He adds: “Diverse experience is critical [for a leader], yes, but it is absolutely possible to obtain this in one company.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP2SE37LWNH6VDBWBUC3ESRD5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908084},"content":"Some CEOs seek out other opportunities to gain external experience. Roy Twite, chief executive of engineering company IMI, who joined on the company’s graduate scheme in 1988 and has worked across markets including the US, Britain and Sweden, says: “You have to find ways to experience other companies.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TIYNF75RENFADJCB6AG32AZ7RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908085},"content":"He points to his own stint as a non-executive director on the board of Halma, a technology company operating in safety and healthcare. He has also created networks, including finding mentors, and is part of a group of 11 CEOs “that get together on a quarterly basis to see if they are investing [in the] right things”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJ4FF2NI3FEJNBGOYFB6TYTYMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908086},"content":"Education is another stimulus, says Twite, who has continued his professional development at Cambridge and Harvard universities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZH4X67QTFRAWNNQNMURFDPVCUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908087},"content":"Hamori points to the importance of complementing a CEO with a top management team that has a more diverse background. “Executives with different prior industry or company affiliations could help counterbalance the skill sets of a CEO who grew up in a single firm,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NAWODDDYRDSBL4Z3RQTW2ORSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303987331},"content":"Fresh perspectives may also come from customers or staff. Amitrano says: “Employees are often the best at challenging or seeing things differently.” With this in mind, he has established a formal shadow leadership team, made up of 12 individuals from ranks within the firm, to feed employee views into board decisions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBSDV2SVKBA3REYH7EDPJNGVJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908089},"content":"Some still argue that the best way to progress in a career is by moving around companies. More than 10 years ago Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, co-authored an article that argued: “You can’t have an agile company if you give employees lifetime contracts – and the best people don’t want one employer for life anyway.” Job-hopping is a clear way to boost salary and accelerate promotion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MO3PBCRGFGZFG75YQT4NKH54Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908090},"content":"The danger for corporate veterans, says RJ Bannister, partner at Farient Advisors, an executive pay advisory company, is that “if someone has been at an organisation for a while they might be stereotyped. You might not necessarily see them as the individual they are [but] the person they were when hired. An individual might have to leave to prove themselves.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQPN3GSDSFHGJKLCLZV6SJ6O4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908091},"content":"But CEO lifers argue that staying in a company accrues social capital and helps executives acquire the skills to navigate an organisation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCUZYBG3CRCT7IOOSXB4ZJLGXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908092},"content":"When Twite was younger he was given the simple advice to “build a career. If you get stuck and feel you’ve learnt as much as you can then think about moving.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZV56NGW3WRGODI42BDFROTWYNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908093},"content":"He says he has been approached by headhunters over the years but “thought [IMI] was the sort of company that would recognise [doing a good job]. If you go somewhere else you have to develop your reputation, starting again. The grass isn’t always greener.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Emma Jacobs"}]},"description":{"basic":"Executives who spend their career at one place can boost morale and loyalty but risk stifling innovation"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"From intern to CEO: does it pay to be a company lifer?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GQOOHCO2DRA6FA7UZZXZ2W3HBA","auth":{"1":"840df5aec2fd5a2f6588cdf49daf33a19dec341adade8125c8c9449f6dbfc459"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GQOOHCO2DRA6FA7UZZXZ2W3HBA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/from-intern-to-ceo-does-it-pay-to-be-a-company-lifer/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"7B7YUEOAKVBGXND7EPFLG5USW4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":213,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e7757d80-54ed-48ed-b65f-ce1047e8487f/versions/1730319144/media/e4f76be4b086c134731d91a9a3217543_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/more-than-50-of-companies-believe-workers-are-as-productive-at-home/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QLBLUZ4BVRDMTNKB6HYLLFZBGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048783},"content":"Almost half of companies believe it makes no difference to productivity whether their employees <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/work-from-home/\" target=\"_blank\">work from home </a>or come to the office, a survey of businesses in the capital has found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVAPV2GDQZDBJGDP2EF6D7BVNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730312588883},"content":"In the research, carried out by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-chamber-of-commerce/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Chamber</a>, 47 per cent said the location of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/\" target=\"_blank\">the worker </a>made no difference while 7 per cent said their workers were actually more productive at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVXMUL7MMNGPPFZJNOGTMWKBTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730312588884},"content":"However, 38 per cent said they felt more was done in the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OAGQHXMQ25GRTKZLDRDJ63BJIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048785},"content":"Public affairs director at Dublin Chamber Aebhric McGibney said the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/remote-working\" target=\"_blank\">remote</a> and flexible working landscape was still shifting but issues like housing shortages and traffic congestion contributed to a desire on the part of many employers in the capital to make it work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXQNO2TXZVD45GULMJ2D236D5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048789},"content":"More than a third of respondents, 37 per cent, said their businesses were “very negatively affected” by traffic congestion with a further 46 per cent saying they were “marginally” affected. The research suggests the scale of this issue has influenced their attitude towards remote and hybrid working.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M572JQTLIRHFZF5CMI43AHFHQA","additional_properties":{"_id":"OINGJAA4FRB2VAPXJGETIPE2OA"},"content":"What is the advice regarding requests for bespoke work-from-home arrangements?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"THX4YIRBS5HBBJYE3MEPMDI4UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730318474609},"content":"“There are obviously concerns about culture, collaboration and wellbeing and a lot of companies are still finding their own solutions … this may take a decade to settle, but we still see two to three days in the office generally being the norm, even if there has [been] something of a shift from two days towards three,” said Mr McGibney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MMX53OC25AE3MLNF6M7YBR6EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730312588888},"content":"Accommodation is a key issue for businesses because of ongoing labour shortages and the Dublin Chamber believes half of all new homes built in the State during the coming decade need to be in the Greater Dublin Area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AALHKTXZIZH4TKAMWUTRFMTQHU","additional_properties":{"_id":"ISGDSBIY75H3LKDCI54IWJ64VU"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-39586","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6CMPSYGZKVCRZMTYTIADJINEHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730318474612},"content":"The organisation’s survey found 51 per cent of the more than 130 companies, a third of them large employers, said housing should be the next government’s top priority immediately after the election with 39 per cent saying it should be infrastructure and transport. Public safety, business support and migration were among the other issues identified.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVCMS37EXVARLGZ2OVQSAZPDLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048787},"content":"“On housing, we want to see more housing built in commuter towns close to public transport routes and investment in that infrastructure,” said Mr McGibney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAS32757B5ABLKRIMLD5WA55JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048794},"content":"“The talk now is of 60,000 new homes a year being the target and we would argue at least half of that needs to be in the Greater Dublin Area,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTGQS5C7YJD3VGQ7FZGBQAUTKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048795},"content":"“Population projections for Dublin have consistently underestimated the growth of the city. So it is about planning more effectively for the growth we are going to see.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"THKI4Y57GFBMJAEOBZFUPNAI2A","additional_properties":{"_id":"BQYO5ZIJDRBB7MVRSJXGIL5Q3I"},"content":"‘Surely the company won’t force my team back into the office if they suspect we might all quit?’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"2MSNEK7JOVEX7O3JLLJWEGSMJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730318474617},"content":"Elsewhere on Wednesday, when questioned on whether the Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin\">Micheál Martin</a> was dragging his feet on the Government publishing its revised housing targets in advance of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">general election</a>, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe replied “not at all”. However, Mr Donohoe said he did not know whether the targets would be set out over the coming weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VH5DPQJRTBFGZNX2D7VULDB6YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730317221017},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has previously said he wants the targets published before going to the polls. But recent reports suggest Mr Martin has pushed back on setting them before the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ETFMYIPF5DUTMV4UWRWGYUHO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730317221018},"content":"“There is a very good engagement under way in Government in relation to it,” said Mr Donohoe. “As to whether they’ll be published in the coming days and weeks, I don’t know the answer to that ... the really important thing is that we can point to the progress that we have made in the building of more homes.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Businesses flag traffic congestion and housing as key issues, with focus on Greater Dublin 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award of €40,000 made to a prison officer almost a decade ago after a finding by an adjudication officer that his employer had failed to make the appropriate accommodations for him at a time when he was suffering from a disability has been overturned by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-court/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Court</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVDK22F2AZHYTNPJD2PTTT3N4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387966},"content":"The long-running case – which had previously been the subject of a High Court action, only to be referred back to the Labour Court – involved prison officer Robert Cunningham, who had worked in the role since 2005, first at Cloverhill and then Portlaoise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2O2TOXQENJCPLIESNBLQYYN7VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387967},"content":"Mr Cunningham had undergone back surgery in February 2015 and was subsequently found by occupational medicine specialist Dr Sharon Lim to be unfit to resume full duties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCDB3HHUQRAQ5GAFNJ6GTAXOCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387968},"content":"In a May 2015 memo, Dr Lim recommended a period of restricted duties to facilitate Mr Cunningham’s ongoing rehabilitation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBXXLADUYVHATMDAKVXLVYK33U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387969},"content":"“Going forward,” she wrote, “our opinion is that Mr Cunningham should be excluded from all control and restraint duties/training.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S7REDOMHKRAV7DXJLYX3X4K5ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387970},"content":"It subsequently emerged that when Mr Cunningham attended an appointment with Dr Lim in April of that year he brought with him various background materials in relation to his condition but did not hand over a letter issued to him three weeks previously by his surgeon, Martin Murphy, suggesting he could return to full duties but cautioning that he should initially avoid lifting weights of more than 20kg.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGDF35JNURBAJDZWMDQUILQRVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387971},"content":"Mr Cunningham, who was represented by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, was found by the court to have sought to rely on the existing medical evidence in his claim, under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, that he had a disability and that no reasonable accommodation had been provided to him by his employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGJRIKRT2NBKLLYFPHCFQ65TVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387972},"content":"He had, in fact, been told by his superiors in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-prison-service/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Prison Service</a> he could not return to normal duties if he was unfit to carry them out completely, and his options after three months of restricted duties were to take ill-health retirement or move to an administrative role that would have involved a significant drop in income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUEHMSPVHZFVFOPERNQF2ZIZKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387973},"content":"Giving evidence at a hearing earlier this year, however, Mr Murphy said he believed Mr Cunningham was fit to return to full duties, including those involving the control and restraint of prisoners, and he had been of that opinion when he wrote the letter issued to the complainant in April 2015.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFPBA26NBVDRHFKXQMPSEZRBDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387974},"content":"“As part of the follow-up advice I gave him in 2015, I did clear him to return to work as a prison officer in an unrestricted fashion, but did give him some common-sense advice,” he said. “My advice today remains the same as in 2015.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMO3EWXPH5DZJH7F7HX4KAKIRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387975},"content":"He said he had performed similar surgery on a number of people who worked in areas that required physical exertion such as athletes, firefighters and other prison officers, all of whom had returned to work without restriction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZGAMJEXFZFQ3BDOTLTZOKORAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387976},"content":"Asked whether he was familiar with the demands involved in applying control and restraint techniques, he said he was, that he was a black belt in judo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F223QYRZIVBIFNYBA4OWXUVBVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387977},"content":"Dr Lim confirmed she did not receive Mr Murphy’s letter, but said her opinion regarding Mr Cunningham’s inability to resume full duties would not have been different if she had been aware of its contents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IDC5GJD5LZFATKZ4O24LGTNJWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387978},"content":"In her decision, the court’s deputy chair, Louise O’Donnell, said the burden of proof was on Mr Cunningham to establish he had a disability during the relevant period, and he had not provided any medical evidence of this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JTVRAZ23NF3JEP2OIHZ522GRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387979},"content":"Although the two medical experts to provide testimony, both called by the respondents, disagreed, the court found “that applying the balance of probabilities to the information before the court, that the complainant has failed to establish that he had a disability at the relevant time, and therefore his complaint must fail”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Long-running case involving prison officer Robert Cunningham was the subject of a High Court action before being referred back to the Labour Court"},"display_date":"2024-10-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Award of €40,000 to prison officer almost a decade ago quashed over lack of evidence of disability ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SXCY622Q6JXZNSKGSNJZDXOQSQ","auth":{"1":"61247efa9a531fb78108d863a7ff189ee42ae954fb62f86432d593c60f72725f"},"focal_point":{"x":237,"y":122},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SXCY622Q6JXZNSKGSNJZDXOQSQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2024/10/30/award-of-40000-to-prison-officer-almost-a-decade-ago-quashed-over-lack-of-evidence-of-disability/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"HQYLUJJVKVEFFI23PLVAPUCZ7U","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":426,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/ae125735-47cd-4dde-a9e3-5374965586fe/versions/1729770465/media/82d6b01524adceca1586ab61a47948f0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/10/29/pension-changes-have-caught-company-directors-on-the-hop-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work/","content_elements":[{"_id":"F5FWCQ6IZNEERA72B2VZN7FZXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136673},"content":"It was good (for some) while it lasted but the Government has moved to close a loophole, which allowed company directors to significantly increase how much they could fund their <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pensions</a> – and gain tax relief in the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3UEEJBOZBF7PIG4XASYLIK3AU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136674},"content":"Earlier this month, the Finance Bill, which now looks set to be enacted over the coming week due to an impending <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>, introduced some notable changes to pensions. While the move to increase the standard fund threshold (SFT) – the upper limit on the size on pension fund availing of tax relief that a person can have – had been flagged well in advance, the decision to tighten up the funding of PRSAs may have caught some on the hop.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6V6KCAPHJCPFJSTJSPFHGINYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136675},"content":"So, what are the changes and how will they impact (wealthy) pension savers?","type":"text"},{"_id":"54JHKSNLKJG2XBAMEDA5TDNZNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136676},"content":"PRSAs and business owners","type":"header"},{"_id":"CE74JK3SKFEGJAA4UEZM3N2E24","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136677},"content":"Back in 2022, the Finance Act changed the rules so that employer contributions to a PRSA no longer triggered benefit in kind. In addition, no limit applied on the amount of employer contributions that could be made – up to the overall standard fund threshold for an individual of €2 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4S5WILOABEPLKTGAPVIRZ3VAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136678},"content":"“The unrestricted funding model clearly put the PRSA at a competitive advantage compared to others,” says Fergal Roche, financial planning manager with Davy Private Clients.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2RQU25ZJND6DOKX6SLRIALNNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136679},"content":"Before this, once a contribution surpassed age-related limits – for example, 25 per cent of gross salary for people aged between 40 and 49 – the employee would be subject to BIK.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2YDOI2PW5CNHG4FPOHV22RIGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136680},"content":"With employees still bound by the upper earnings limit for tax relief – €115,000 a year – the big benefit was for business owners, who were able to use the change to substantially boost their pension funding, gaining tax relief in the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VR2I4Q7XFED3KKXAJ5AAYVY7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136681},"content":"Tony Delaney, chief executive of financial advisers Sys Financial, says it was “very valid” for the Government to bring in the change, as it offered an incentive for company owners/directors, who contribute to economic growth, to fund their pensions in a year in which they could afford it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGJ6DDDSGBCHHMPUXVPQQSJATI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136682},"content":"However, he concedes that it did lead to some “aggressive tax planning”. “They probably didn’t think it out enough,” he says of the Government’s decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"75SRKGWOI5HSVJ5IVK7L5WBXUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"BXQKFW3IU5GSRAMB6UQ6K6VJ2Y"},"content":"The Irish Times view on raising the pension tax threshold: a retrograde move","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CJM3VMMQJRFM5KZXF6KTZYJ7CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136683},"content":"Revenue chairman Niall Cody told the Dáil in May this year that he was “concerned about some practices” under the new rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKHJ3XII7NFV7JGLLTZEFCG7MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136684},"content":"One example cited was a director of a company, who employed one of his children on the minimum wage, and then created a PRSA and funded it with €1 million. Or a wife could be hired on a salary of €5,000 and her pension bumped up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CFJFRVYEBNGULP4PIA4NKPNPOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136685},"content":"While such practices may have been legitimate strictly in terms of how the legislation was worded, as Delaney notes, he says Revenue may not have considered such employments to be bona fide, and a director seeking to extract money tax efficiently from their companies in such a manner may have run into difficulties on this front.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XECCCS7R5AFTAGPFJLQRRICAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136686},"content":"Changes","type":"header"},{"_id":"YRSZ6YMQ7RBPHLU3EKGCPR2IYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136687},"content":"This year’s Finance Bill includes a provision that, once enacted, means that employer contributions to PRSAs will be restricted to 100 per cent of an employee’s income drawn from the business in that same year. Anything over this will be subject to benefit in kind.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKQ6GXD5OZEI5JBBPCOKQBZXW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136688},"content":"In effect, this means that a director drawing a salary of €100,000 will be able to match this with a pension fund contribution. Above that €100,000 limit, anything will be treated as benefit in kind and taxed in line with normal income tax rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YEMKPSLVVEVHP26KB7JLWJQ2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136689},"content":"As Roche adds, the new approach also operates on the basis of “use it or lose it”. Business owners who cannot afford to fund their pension in one year will not be able to back-fund their retirement fund and will lose out on eligible tax relief for the year in question.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AYVBG3QBDVDPDJ7AGGSMM72D6U","additional_properties":{"_id":"B5SSVS2K55BINNBRNVF4KOI2R4"},"content":"In your 30s? It’s time to get serious about your pension","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UPSGQW2OW5H6LMBGDGNLXOR6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136690},"content":"It is undoubtedly a sharp reduction on the benefit that was previously in place but, as Delaney notes, it is still “very attractive” compared with what an employee is entitled to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCZY32FOWFD7PBVJYQYEPLFW5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136691},"content":"It will, however, likely spur a move away from PRSAs for many business owners. “This is likely to curtail the use of PRSAs as the pension structure of choice for some individuals, particularly business owners,” says Roche.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GZYN5HTYNGBFGGL72D2ABCP3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136692},"content":"What to do?","type":"header"},{"_id":"H55VHUTOPJCTBF6O4O5IZGTPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136693},"content":"Given the impending restriction, some business owners may rush to bump up their pension now before the Bill is enacted. But, says Roche, it’s not the only choice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGUIH7AQBJGBXIKHEDAG5K3EP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136694},"content":"“There are solutions out there which should be able to deliver the same outcome, with a few tweaks,” he says, citing a master trust, which generally allows for a much larger contribution from business owners than other pension products.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPNIFDLQGFAV5IWIOAKXO47IAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136695},"content":"“It could be very significant again,” he says, adding that it will “definitely allow more than 100 per cent [of salary]”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NSHHTP64DJER7OTTNJT7A3TWHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136696},"content":"It won’t, however, allow for uses that run counter to the spirit of the rules, as happened with the unrestricted funding of PRSAs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVIG5MIF6ZBKDMZAAFZ7NBUUQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136697},"content":"“With the new rules in the PRSA, it won’t allow substantial contributions for those on low salaries,” says Roche. Under a master trust structure, the further away from retirement you are, the lower the amount you can put in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7ZC4MAYNRCNVNJE4JFP2CBTHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136698},"content":"Standard fund threshold","type":"header"},{"_id":"KM5U2FP3JRFVTFC3ICO35SRFMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136699},"content":"It wasn’t the only change in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/budget/\" target=\"_blank\">budget</a>. Amid strong lobbying from interested parties claiming that top public sector jobs were no longer viable unless the pension cap was removed, changes were set out to the standard fund threshold (SFT).","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4G7NUMWCRDUNIBCMGBQD4LZGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136700},"content":"Until now, this threshold limited tax-relieved pension savings to €2 million. Once a person’s pension fund went past this figure, they were charged tax, at 40 per cent, on the excess. According to Delaney, this resulted in a “penal” effective tax rate of 72 per cent on anything above this as you were taxed again at the marginal rate when the pension income was drawn down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SI47Y6EEVVCHNAFMMU65GDTISU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136701},"content":"Of course, some would argue that it is a lucky few who get to worry about this penal tax, given the average Irish pension fund has just about €100,000 in it. As Delaney notes, opting to change the exit tax regime – which wasn’t done but which has been mooted in the since published Report of the Funds Sector 2030 – would have benefited a lot more people than changes to the SFT.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YM3TOLIYLBBLZBNZLSXLEVPWNM","additional_properties":{"_id":"R7NXLEOOBRESVKRXZXBGSHY5UY"},"content":"What income does a €100,000 pension pot give you?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CF3JUUERX5EGTLL65PUSPPLZ3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136702},"content":"In any case, the SFT is now set to rise to €2.8 million by 2029, and on an annual basis thereafter in line with increases in earnings. As Roche notes, given the impact of wage inflation, “it could be above €3 million in 2030″.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4N4AVKS5ZCELEP3SUB6GNHHOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136703},"content":"For Delaney, this is a “very positive” decision. However, the tax on the chargeable excess tax will remain at 40 per cent – pending a review by 2030. “It would have been great to see them reduce that,” he says, citing a possible fair figure of 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GV5JLAU55AUHI2PSSKHW5HMGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136704},"content":"“I’d be very happy paying 20 per cent on something that had grown tax free for me,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJBTU2KY4VD47HVF73TBML62QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136705},"content":"For those who may still be at risk of the excess tax, Delaney advises that “it’s how you draw down the benefits that will be absolutely crucial”. He notes that someone in poor health, who didn’t need to draw down their pension, could end up paying this out tax free to their spouse in the event of their death.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Fiona Reddan"}},"name":"Fiona Reddan"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Finance Bill tightens rules on open-ended employer contributions to PRSAs"},"display_date":"2024-10-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"New pension rules have caught company directors on the hop. What are they and how do they work?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BWD256OCUJHK3DEZEVZ3Y2IN2I","auth":{"1":"d5df9e194d285c5bba0a5c184529f5774b9e1303c09c631995c4f13e4c289cbb"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BWD256OCUJHK3DEZEVZ3Y2IN2I.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/10/29/pension-changes-have-caught-company-directors-on-the-hop-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"EGYXV75GBNHR3BCSOBJSMMEDEE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":263,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1e7f0128-df47-4e6b-9c6f-c97a16d9243f/versions/1730146716/media/00f2f3a52fe75041ebae8ad53d2c6844_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/2024/10/28/government-working-on-deal-to-pave-way-for-recruitment-of-more-kenyan-nurses/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TMNNYUTF4JHRLJBMHQJG5IGO3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174637},"content":"Ireland is set to attract more nurses and midwives from Kenya into the health system as a result of an agreement being developed between the two countries, Minister for Health <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/stephen-donnelly\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Donnelly</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJM6DQ5QTNHHLLVKPCBQTSMKKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174638},"content":"The Minister said he was aware that the loss of key health personnel could be an issue for less wealthy countries but the two governments would work on a deal that would be ethical and in line with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/world-health-organisation\" target=\"_blank\">WHO</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/oecd\" target=\"_blank\">OECD</a> guidelines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMFP3DUIUBDJTH3OIZ65GBUBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174639},"content":"Under growing financial pressure in recent years, the Kenyan government has struggled to provide employment opportunities for many of its healthcare graduates and was recently obliged to cut public spending across a range of areas in order to secure additional funding from the International Monetary Fund.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5JNX4CDXJCPXCUOAJADZM7XFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174640},"content":"The UK signed an agreement with the country that allowed for greater movement of workers in 2021 and Germany followed suit last month. There have also been agreements with Austria and Saudi Arabia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XL2X22B77BBIHPTBHTISSPP6YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174641},"content":"“I am aware that there have been worrying global trends in workforce migration in recent years, which have seen higher income countries benefit disproportionately from the mobility of health professionals, while the benefits to the country from which they migrate may be comparatively less,” said Mr Donnelly as work on the Irish agreement with Kenya was announced on Monday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLWM5G2Y6BFYZFPOYYCQSIZRIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174642},"content":"“By working together with Kenya, in line with our shared principles and WHO-OECD guidance on best practice, we can inform a new generation of fair and ethical bilateral agreements on health workforce migration,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AM3KLO7ZXZELDCAGOCJW6CMEEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174643},"content":"In a statement, the Department of Health said “the aim of this collaboration of Irish and Kenyan officials will concentrate on workforce planning in the health sector by addressing nursing and midwifery shortages in Ireland while investing in the ongoing development of these professions in Kenya. The bilateral agreement will contribute to augmenting the global nursing and midwifery workforce in a managed and sustainable way.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4C7NRUEGJ5BARGJZVHYC6X2P4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174644},"content":"Nursing shortages in Ireland remain significant and the Parliamentary Budget Office projected earlier this year the country will need an additional 13,000 by 2041 to maintain current ratios.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LI42CQJSRVCXZEGBD4RNORDBWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174645},"content":"To achieve the figure, it suggested, Ireland will have to educate or import about 2,000 extra nurses annually. Mr Donnelly said increasing the number of training places remained a priority for the Government and said progress had been made in the area to date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCKT3NF6YVAX3LTJS62UATDAVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174646},"content":"“Ireland is committed to developing a sustainable domestic health and care workforce, including nurses and midwives. We’ve made significant progress in expanding the number of undergraduate places. Ensuring we retain our graduates and provide attractive career pathways is a priority for me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6R7PCTNWBE4TI3CQBBC2X6KTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174647},"content":"Three-quarters of more than 6,000 nurses and midwives registering in the Irish system for the first time last year were educated abroad, however, with more than 3,000 coming from India.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3KWUGT2WVAQNGQSE7S3HYW5TI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174648},"content":"The health sector, meanwhile, accounted for almost a third of the 30,174 work permits issued by the Government in the first nine months of this year. At 9,907, the amount of work permits issued to health workers was almost twice the number granted in the tech sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7CTJ4QKGFDFVJWHSX25V3LUMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174649},"content":"Just over 10,000 permits across all sectors were granted to workers from India while those from Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Ghana – all countries in which the recruitment of nurses to Ireland has grown in recent years – accounted for 750, 776, and 288 respectively. The equivalent number from Kenya to the end of September was 140.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZKM6K5LURHGNNAM4GXNTXQ3UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174650},"content":"Asked previously, about the trend, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-nurses-and-midwives-organisation\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation</a> (INMO) general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said “a country like Ireland, because of its bad policy, because of its lack of investment, is now going to these countries and taking their essential workers”. She said the Minister had said he did not want to do it but it was still happening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZS3YGB5SVHVNE6V6TGUE2RKNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174651},"content":"The INMO, meanwhile, is balloting its members on industrial action over staff shortages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Stephen Donnelly says the deal will be ethical and in line with WHO and OECD guidelines"},"display_date":"2024-10-28T20:13:15.672Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ireland could agree new deal with Kenya allowing for recruitment of more nurses and midwives","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"35XXZ3OENZCJ5CE22NZTRCW2ZI","auth":{"1":"12f9d760fd5639306484c7dfeb1de70ff8519d4450e1b94d1b22584761bb9ecc"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/35XXZ3OENZCJ5CE22NZTRCW2ZI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/health/2024/10/28/government-working-on-deal-to-pave-way-for-recruitment-of-more-kenyan-nurses/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Health"}}}}],"count":4395,"_id":"97952cc39db6e78bf2a0e8b6308c886529086cb28631774c0e6b5e18280aff63"},"expires":1733178615867,"lastModified":1733178315324},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":50,\"includeSections\":\"/business/work\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"ZABYVOIGAZGENGBX3T4OEVG22M","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/12/02/oecd-warns-against-too-conservative-pension-investment-strategies/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JTR3VYGX4VAIHJIWKGUDT576BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856282},"content":"Pension regulators should avoid setting guidelines that lead to default investment strategies that are too conservative, reducing the retirement income of workers, a new OECD report has found. Investing in the shares of listed companies tends to bring better retirement income outcomes, it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2SDOBVVOJB5PM47LU3POZXD5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856283},"content":"The OECD Pensions Outlook 2024 examines pension systems across the world’s most developed economies including Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMCJ2CAOTBH5XAOOSDUOSILYLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856284},"content":"It says that pension funds need investments in equities to represent a significant share of the portfolio of defined contribution (DC) pensions – pensions where the return is decided by the amount invested and the performance of those investments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQPGSIIBEVCQBOQGDENRJANNZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856285},"content":"Equity investment has been rising steadily over the past 20 years, it finds, accounting for more than 40 per cent in 13 out of 38 OECD member countries studied and less than 20 per cent in only seven countries. Ireland was not one of the countries examined for this element of the OECD report.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B65ALLAZ3ZHXVARATNAQMBDFMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856286},"content":"“Investing in equities leads to better retirement outcomes,” the report says, although it acknowledges that it can involve more volatile outcomes. Investing in stock markets works better over long periods, it notes, but is less suitable for workers in the years close to retirement as it can expose them to too much risk of a market downturn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MA63SSD2EZEZXDZTT5FO6QVEJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856287},"content":"However, the report makes clear that default investment strategies that rely heavily on government bonds are too conservative because of the low, albeit safer, returns on offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTR3VYGX4VAIHJIWKGUDT576BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856288},"content":"The report observes that people who invest their retirement savings in the default option, which is the majority, tend to stay in that default even though it may not match their level of risk tolerance or the best option for the stage of their working life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELGCKUT2RBDGTIDUBNT67T2RLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856289},"content":"It also argues that people should consider staying invested in equities even while they are drawing down their pension under schemes like Ireland Approved Retirement Fund model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGKLWJUOBNG2PFDF77I7M3M2BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856290},"content":"Using economic modelling, it found that when investment in equities accounted for less than 20 per cent of the fund as it was being tapped in retirement, people would be better-off opting for a lifelong annuity in at least 75 per cent of cases. “By contrast, there is a 60 per cent probability of getting higher replacement rates when staying invested fully in equities during the payout phase and taking regular drawdowns instead of buying a lifelong annuity at retirement,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIBSD2PTUZDQ3L2CR2RZNVVYTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856291},"content":"“Therefore, if individuals value flexibility and take regular drawdowns, large investments in equities would increase expected benefits. However, this comes at the cost of higher volatility of benefits and the risk of outliving one’s resources.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOVCUJJKYRFKZFSF4CG32UVRYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856292},"content":"The report also looks at equity release schemes that are marketed to older people, allowing them to release some or all of the equity in their homes to enhance their liquid assets or income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBAVKVIMAVEKNNKB66YPROE3VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733159856293},"content":"While such schemes can be useful to older people, it says, it calls for appropriate regulation to ensure that people know what they are agreeing to and that it is the right strategy for their circumstances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Dominic Coyle"}},"name":"Dominic Coyle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Report says investing in equities improves returns even after retirement but it does come with greater risk"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T17:20:22.317Z","headlines":{"basic":"OECD warns against too conservative pension investment strategies ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY","auth":{"1":"8014cecd659545681bb74de5f974f921dc829072b2c80eaca3210ca6e8b11f12"},"focal_point":{"x":1767,"y":1348},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/12/02/oecd-warns-against-too-conservative-pension-investment-strategies/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"E5K52TXRP5AAJCD3SCCP2CDHKE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":264,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-h0e8gjgjaqe0egb7.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8a031ccd-67a4-4b41-bfec-2acfa33ad0a6/versions/1733047801/media/2cbc21f63e3aa548993a8dc17ce965fd_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/12/02/the-battle-around-around-and-other-awful-woolly-words/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UJK4Y52YT5C4FOZDK3TETU4R4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661110},"content":"One of the many things I like about Today, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bbc/\" target=\"_blank\">BBC</a>’s venerable morning radio news programme, is its tradition of having the likes of Prince Harry, Angelina Jolie and Stephen Hawking guest edit over Christmas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPZJBUNUUVFQTFB6DL2Q4CIYYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661111},"content":"I was listening to the show last Monday when presenter Amol Rajan started talking about this year’s line-up. It included Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny and former chancellor Sajid Javid.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7BOR365ZVGFTJBBJFFNKB3HFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661112},"content":"But I could barely concentrate on the rest of the names because I was so busy fuming over a word Rajan had used to introduce them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGGTDE4JSFHEPONAZOQDH6BDOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661113},"content":"“Every year”, he said, “the Today programme invites a series of guest editors to make an episode of Today with us around things that they are most interested in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q2CWABRND5CDHPAPOAYNGCIG6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661114},"content":"There it was. “Around”. A word that has somehow come to be used in a way that turns a crisp, forthright phrase into something evasive and slippery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3TALTUOP5BBPO3LPYXTTLRYRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661115},"content":"If I had heard a guest editor such as Kenny was going to make an episode “about” or “on” the impact elite sport has on women’s bodies, I would know precisely what she was planning. But the news she was going to do something “around” that topic suggests she could drift off into non-elite sport, or men’s bodies, or countless other things.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBFC7ULUV5F3ZCOAST6NCMZFQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661116},"content":"It is no accident that some of the biggest perpetrators of the misuse of “around” are those specialists in ambiguous non-statements, politicians.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7A36Y4MKXRFK5AI6DANE6FVZOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661117},"content":"Two days after the Christmas guest editor incident, Today aired an interview with the former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith about the need for new rules to manage disruptive pupils.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73T5OC3ZYVFQVMD32I5YX3E4VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661118},"content":"“The range of change has to be pretty profound now – clear rules around what cannot happen,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T657R7QMEZCHZOISIFNP6DY34Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661119},"content":"I realise there are more important things to worry about and I do not mean to sound like the pedantic prig I clearly am. But the meaning of words matters, especially in a polarised world swamped with misinformation. Any language that obscures truth instead of revealing it is dubious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INRFAX6LKFBVNELFXHLNZOTQXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661120},"content":"This is why I also object to the way “piece” has wormed its way into places it has no business being in. Anyone who says they are working on the “defence piece” or the “climate piece” is telling you almost nothing. If they say they have just joined a counterterrorism think tank, or a carbon-trading firm, you would know where you were. Likewise, there is no excuse for using a woolly word such as “space”, as in “the defence space”, when perfectly good words such as “industry” or “sector” can do the job.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLZ647NAAJCMVMPDIGAG4IYYVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661121},"content":"If you are under 40 and reading this, thinking, ‘What’s this sad old loser babbling on about?’, it is worth knowing how intensely words like this can irk the old losers who may soon be deciding whether to promote or hire you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIY6OP2PCRCS5C4JR4Q2GTR7TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661122},"content":"In the spirit of public service, I therefore urge you to think twice before talking around the work piece in any job space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHIL3FKBUBAD5HWTAC6LP5VMTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661123},"content":"Also, beware of “reaching out” to anyone when you are actually just contacting them. It’s lazy and time-wasting. Better to spend an extra 10 seconds explaining that you want to follow up on something, or arrange a meeting, or whatever it is you are actually doing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFRVD7YDJ5G3VAQSMBQGBMGRLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661124},"content":"The same goes for “sharing” information that you are just “passing on”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZN4BNLHHVG3VHRJBBFPAG3FNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661125},"content":"“Curate” is another word that has come to be used in tediously confusing ways to suggest something is far more important than it is, because it has been specially selected. It can usually be deleted. “A curated collection of exceptional reads” is almost always the same as “a collection of exceptional reads”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVRFVKOH3RCMDJSF4QA4WADP4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661126},"content":"I know this fight is hopeless. The reaching-out sharing curators of the language piece have well and truly won. As for the battle around “around”, forget it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YG5RDND5XNFN3LKMDM6RZ64BHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661127},"content":"I realised this after sifting through the contents of my inbox one afternoon last week. In the space of 90 minutes, the Hay literary festival told me about a book that raised “new questions around what it means to be human” and a PR person wittered on about the “government’s recent announcement around increased boiler upgrade funding”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRF3UCR5FBHE7A6KHPWBIEVSD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1733047661128},"content":"A blogger said Thanksgiving was “a day that we’re supposed to centre around gratitude” and the estimable Chatham House think tank said, “North Korea’s rapprochement with Russia raises questions around the role of China.” Resistance, very obviously, is futile. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"The fuzzy meaning space is becoming depressingly overcrowded"},"display_date":"2024-12-02T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The battle around ‘around’ and other awful woolly words","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"I6SDN4AOUJBUZOAJSD6QL3GZ7Y","auth":{"1":"77e15eac1247437f09ce8137efd3fa54353951fb5a489e521ea35db245d1b4d6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/I6SDN4AOUJBUZOAJSD6QL3GZ7Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/12/02/the-battle-around-around-and-other-awful-woolly-words/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"FOBMY5HREVFD7IJT2ADJHVAWSQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":313,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/dd62b9f0-4bd8-44e7-8066-3b78f6802b2c/versions/1732707928/media/44e025b5406467a41bbdcf71a778698a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/12/01/trades-are-very-well-paid-here-compared-to-anywhere-else-in-the-world-i-have-been/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AY2JZQA3VRFLBFIGABNSE5BSGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334067},"content":"Growing up in Cork as a teenager in the 1990s, where he sometimes helped his uncle on construction jobs, Chris Kidney developed a lifelong love of carpentry. A qualified carpenter he met along the way took him under his wing and encouraged him as he undertook a qualification with Fás (the State training agency now known as Solas) as a carpenter and joiner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJQZZU26RFAIPI2NWJKXRCKQCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334068},"content":"Kidney also had a hankering for travel, and his two passions combined well as he got to experience life in both Canada and Sydney in his 20s, before making a permanent move to Melbourne with his partner, Niharika, in 2012.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOOC55OPLFE2LN5JWCYTHVK3CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334069},"content":"“We applied under the Skilled Migrant Visa Scheme and got accepted within three months. Carpentry is a good trade to facilitate international travel, and my partner is an occupational therapist, which is a recognised skill too, so we were well placed,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDP3KRDR5JHQHAICOPWJLTYUL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334070},"content":"Kidney found work relatively easily and built up his experience and contacts with a hotel refurbishment company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWAV2NTOJNG7NAHRQNBLLULHIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334071},"content":"“Trades are very well paid here compared to anywhere else in the world that I have been. A good carpenter could expect to make Aus $120,000-$150,000 (€74,000-€92,500) a year in a waged position, depending on the job and the overtime they can get.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O27QEEVWJFEILB2FFKXO6SOYWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334072},"content":"“I spent my first 18 months here making contacts and it exposed me to an audience of customers that you just couldn’t reach as an individual. By late 2013, I decided I wanted to do my own thing, so I got my own van and tools and then opened up my own workshop.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUP4IGOEG5CLZIBOCK5ZF46TK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"ESUFZFLUSVHDFJEGEXFK57VPUY"},"content":"An Irish businessman in Singapore: ‘You’ll get a year in jail if you are in a drunken brawl, so people don’t step out of line’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RAIZATUSFFAYNIO3NIVMTZ53BM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334073},"content":"Kidney now works as a bespoke carpenter, generally on high-end projects for homeowners and developers. Typically, that might involve a customised staircase, a set of sash windows or cabinetry and furniture for a luxury home, but Kidney says he will turn his hand to almost any bespoke carpentry project and enjoys the interaction with customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K5AEOUWM3JDTFP5REN3CURKC3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334074},"content":"“It’s a more personal service. I enjoy meeting the customers and getting a feel for who they are and what they are looking for. Then I put my own spin on it and give them some options to choose from. You get to be a bit more creative and it’s a challenge. No two houses and no two jobs are the same.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCQT4ZJBQRFFLNGTXPEFLRPQHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334075},"content":"Working from his home base in Woodend, just north of Melbourne, Kidney employs a trusted group of freelance tradespeople he has got to know in his time here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOWT4F4PYJA5PFVBAUMKN6YHSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334076},"content":"Business has grown steadily over the years as Australia’s housing market has boomed, but with a cooling off lately, he senses that consumers have become more cautious.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VALTIIJ2YFCFHIUQLV6KKGLHSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334077},"content":"While he enjoys a good standard of living and the couple have been able to buy their own home, good salaries don’t go as far there as people might think, he cautions. “Taxes are creeping up here. It’s not a cheap place to live. The wages are high, but the cost of living is also high. Second-hand cars also would also be a lot more expensive than they are in Ireland.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VJINHKL4BBEVMDIV3XDNRXB3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334078},"content":"Kidney credits his partner as a rock of support as he has developed his business. “A good partner is a massive help when you are growing your own business. You are going to get bumps and knocks along the way. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without her.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"G4VRL4FQPBHLVFVXAJDWUF3BLA","additional_properties":{"_id":"NNCNMACQUJA3PI7Z4ZZ5Z5CDTE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QPWH5ALEGJELVJK5E62D4RALAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334079},"content":"He has also developed a good circle of friends in the 12 years he has been in Melbourne, many of them also from Ireland. “Naturally you gravitate to your own people. I have a lot of good Irish friends. The rep for the company that I get materials from and the guy that services my machines are Irish. You meet people and you get introduced. There’s a massive Irish community here.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7WIQ7QWPZVAGJKJ37I44X7U27I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334080},"content":"Having lived and worked in two big Australian cities, Kidney has become familiar with local culture and the personality of natives in his adopted home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GSUIPTHLQZH35CYHUSHRR74USA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334081},"content":"“Australians are a bit tougher and straight-talking and you could see that as them being abrupt, and you can take that up wrongly until you get to know them better. They are certainly direct, and you know where you stand with them. They enjoy a bit of craic too, and I have some great Aussie friends.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UVGWQ6ZM5E2DO2W3M7VTG5M64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334082},"content":"Given the climate, Kidney enjoys an outdoor lifestyle involving forest and mountain trails as well as local beaches and barbecues, along with a vibrant cafe and nightlife culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFDG6HAEG5APRBQZBPTCEUCE4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334083},"content":"There is also a vibrant sports and music culture around the city. “You’ve got rugby, soccer and Australian Rules football among other things. There’s also a strong music scene between local artists and international visiting ones. We get Irish acts coming over. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/damien-dempsey/\" target=\"_blank\">Damien Dempsey</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/glen-hansard/\" target=\"_blank\">Glen Hansard</a>, for example, have played here.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UK53EEESPBBOXDJIXX7F26G2YU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704334084},"content":"Kidney maintains his love of Ireland, proclaiming he is a “proud Cork man” and he enjoys his visits back to his native city, but he can’t see himself returning anything soon. “Ireland is a very special place, but for now, Australia is home.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Wild Geese: Chris Kidney is a carpenter in Melbourne, Australia"},"display_date":"2024-12-01T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Trades are very well paid here compared to anywhere else in the world I have been’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QHGBK4VE7BAGNPCX6IRE4OGEG4","auth":{"1":"40f2c0a63cb1462bb11b059ba806a0fc0c32e55a970d7f2ca6930c08273c8c18"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QHGBK4VE7BAGNPCX6IRE4OGEG4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/12/01/trades-are-very-well-paid-here-compared-to-anywhere-else-in-the-world-i-have-been/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"O6IDQ7PJ4BGZPKHYHAYKBGWDOY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":222,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/b7596196-8013-4803-94d2-94570ecc0c94/versions/1732887120/media/da52878cb959f101fbfd7fa4d71edfd2_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/builder-dismissed-after-covert-tracker-discovers-personal-use-of-work-van/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5MEATUQ54VEZLIJRWKNBKXHJZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708845},"content":"A tribunal has made a reduced award of €10,000 for unfair dismissal to a builder whose work van racked up over 1,000 miles in “unexplained” driving after his boss discovered a vehicle tracker on the dashboard was being disconnected – and had a second one covertly installed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVWBDGSZPBDZHF2MPLZJ3BH7VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708846},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has upheld a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against specialist construction firm Protum Services by Barry Naughton – but cut the award by half to take account of his “very significant contribution” to his own sacking by “interfering” with the first tracker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GTHYTJYWN5GDBOSHAOFO4MVJLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708847},"content":"The company’s position was that trackers were installed at the start of 2022 for insurance reasons and that all its staff were informed at the time. Its solicitor submitted that there were “unusual occurrences” with Mr Naughton’s van starting in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZR2K3TUHNAUPADNRPQ3MNPYGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708848},"content":"Mr Naughton’s employer found the tracking device “disconnected and sitting loose” on one occasion, the tribunal was told. When the firm was looking into one customer complaint, the tracker supplier reported back that the complainant’s device was not powered up properly and “regularly offline”, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IFHZJNZNBNFULFZUIZ7YK5RPTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708849},"content":"After that, the employer “decided to covertly hardwire a device in the complainant’s van in addition to the dashboard tracker”, the firm’s solicitor submitted. Between the installation of the device on an unspecified date and the beginning of November 2023, “considerable unrecorded and unexplained mileage” had built up, with “in excess of 1,000 miles” in the difference between the two tracking devices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDOMCQCXNBGDN2BGSUONUVKU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708850},"content":"Mr Naughton was called to a disciplinary meeting in December 2023 accused of using the company van for personal travel and of interfering with the dashboard tracking device the firm had fitted. He was sacked on a finding of gross misconduct following a second meeting a few days later, the WRC was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7LSELLLJVFEXE2FRQC5PA5JIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708851},"content":"In the course of the meetings, Mr Naughton denied unplugging the tracker and said the personal use of company vans was “commonplace” in the firm, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6MU2OGM5RESLOI6RVTORL7GWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708852},"content":"The company’s position was that the mileage issue by itself warranted a final written warning, but that unplugging the tracker was a “major breach of trust” and that the only option was immediate dismissal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNGLS5EI45GMHBUNWDLKKJIG3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708853},"content":"Mr Naughton claimed he was sacked to “make room for a more favoured colleague of the owner”, claiming that the company had cash flow problems and there was a need to make “economies”. He called the issue over the company van “a complete fabrication to cover this”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INLBHMHVH5A2PKPYLBZWG447CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708854},"content":"He said it was “custom and practice” in the firm to make personal use of company vans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QW3OJ5OHZGYXBJYPJGLT7KFYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708855},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JY4SDO375FXBEUEUSM76DOPGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708856},"content":"He added he had often used his own personal vehicle on company jobs to “facilitate” his employer when a van was unavailable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDUVSNUEOFFQLGOQAGELZGOK4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708857},"content":"He said there were no “proper HR procedures” and no appeal offered to an independent person.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYB7PTJ6UZHPTG5HROPTGKLTV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708858},"content":"Adjudicator Michael McEntee, in his decision, said there was “no doubt that the [dashboard] tracking device had been regularly disconnected” given the anomaly between that tracker and the secret one placed in the van.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKXHU7TWQNEPHDTOFE7W6EJHHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708859},"content":"He said the employer had launched “quite a major investigation, including installing the hidden tracker”, and that the failure to tell the complainant he was under investigation was “troubling”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKAC3AAO3ZGPPN5RISOH6DD2CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708860},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"72S4Y7LATFDLPAZERAXO7BY3NY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708861},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6FLROOKNFABPDFCXDIUNIHHN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708862},"content":"He found that there had been a lack of natural justice in the moves to dismiss Mr Naughton and ruled the dismissal unfair – but said the worker had made a very considerable contribution by interfering with the device.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EK24JXVE6JBNPFXIOCUBIBA7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708863},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNOLNBYBOZHXPL5INAVKIBX4PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708864},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"AETRSCLEQJANJCWOY3XKROTJLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884708865},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"WRC award halved to take account of ‘very significant contribution’ by complainant to his own sacking"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T12:59:59.815Z","headlines":{"basic":"Builder dismissed after covert tracker discovers personal use of work van","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KYSZGJY6QFDHRJ63RAAHGC2ZZA","auth":{"1":"ecc6fee3d14a2d102449f2761218382e8503649293a765ea8e4099e76b8dd60a"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KYSZGJY6QFDHRJ63RAAHGC2ZZA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/builder-dismissed-after-covert-tracker-discovers-personal-use-of-work-van/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"2EPMKFF23ZD6TIAFXUPFVHIK3I","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/is-there-such-a-thing-as-too-much-parental-leave/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZACQPRVTIFHGPB2K5CLYFE2BGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104577},"content":"Decades ago, I might have been sacked for being pregnant, or seen my pay crash to zero after giving birth. These days (mostly through the FT) I get job protection, a generous chunk of maternity leave at full pay and even a coach to ease my return to work. In general I am in favour of policies to support those of us who nobly breed future taxpayers. But is it possible to go too far?","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYU5JRD5JNES5LLHZHIVABRLNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104578},"content":"At first, the point of parental leave was to protect the health of mother and baby. Childbirth warrants some recovery time, and though communication isn’t my toddler’s strong suit, I think he appreciated the home rest too. More recently, expanded benefits for parents have been seen as a way to promote gender equality or even boost the birth rate. By pulling men on to more nappy duty, paternity leave could even out the load of child rearing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VFCQ6JYJJETNFPGKZVNTKYN5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104579},"content":"Sadly, the unintended consequences are easy to imagine. Extended maternity leave could detach mothers from paid work. Generous benefits could make managers hesitant about hiring potential parents. Exposing more fathers to the realities of full-time childcare could even turn some of them off the pursuit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44T35WDXJRAUZF7AMLY7AWBOXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104580},"content":"Helpfully, governments have provided economists with plenty of reforms to evaluate. And at least some parental leave has lots of nice effects, from health benefits for mother and child to greater involvement of fathers in family life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B4J2B4MPVGIVGW3KIOBR4N4JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104581},"content":"But at least when it comes to maternity leave, the economic benefits do seem to have a limit. One review found that although leave of up to around six months improves mothers’ chances of returning to paid work, more than about a year has the opposite effect. When in the 1980s and 1990s the French and German governments expanded it beyond that point, paid employment and wages for mothers suffered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KZFKBSM5FDW7JORY2BXSU2OBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104582},"content":"There is also some awkward evidence of benefits at least partly backfiring. One working paper by Jenna Stearns of the University of California, Davis found that in Britain expanding the period of job protection to a year lowered the chances of being promoted or holding a managerial role. Another found that in Germany more generous maternity benefits meant small companies hired fewer women of childbearing age into roles that were tricky to cover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YFKWKAUCYZABZITFWAFQ2GFVLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104583},"content":"Paternity leave is no more straightforward. A new working paper finds, for example, that men taking long stints are penalised when applying for jobs in male-dominated sectors. Another study found that in Norway, making paternity leave more generous lowered men’s earnings by 1-3 per cent. They argued that this was because of a “rat race”, whereby one father taking time out opened up space for colleagues to get ahead. (The authors’ fix is for <i>all</i> fathers to use their allotted leave.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDQY36KOJ5HQPDBNQEBBHKKXPY","additional_properties":{"_id":"KMP5CQLZQ5GJFF3HK4FAHSOHAA"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-36818","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"C6NONAC7A5HWFA6SPXSWHWBAS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104584},"content":"Other alarming studies include one examining a Swedish reform that reserved a month of paid parental leave for fathers, which found that it raised the chances of divorce by around one percentage point. Admittedly, a later reform that increased paternity leave without reducing the amount available to mums had no such effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FXKJYLRC5BIZMCXA4JNRFJBIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104585},"content":"The first finding could be because mothers responded by taking more unpaid leave, increasing financial stress on the relationship. (Other research has also found that paternity leave can lower the chances of parents separating.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHQ7FUSHAZHQVBKYNHGV4MWPVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104586},"content":"The effects of expanded paternity leave on fertility are also a little complicated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBJKBCMWOBH4ZPUDFLVV6OAPAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104587},"content":"A study of a Spanish reform found that just two weeks of paternity leave increased the time between having children, while in Belgium researchers found a similar effect among younger mothers. The authors of the Spanish study reckon there are two mechanisms at play: men waking up to the realities of caring for a newborn full-time; and women enjoying improved career prospects, pushing back further procreation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFZRSD3HBJCOHDU7JPEFTXMCHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104588},"content":"Of course, the presence of unintended consequences does not justify the very stingy national policies that many Americans and Brits have to rely upon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LRYZV2DIRGUTHNRMB6CNMADGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104589},"content":"America’s federal floor for parental benefits is embarrassingly absent, while in Britain the minimum is 90 per cent of pay for six weeks, then at most £184 per week for 33 more weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOHIGJAK6JA7ZGBCBYLRQXP73E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732881104590},"content":"My memories of the period after my son was born are hazy, but I think I spent about that much on nappies and wipes alone. As I am now going on maternity leave for a second time, I am looking forward to the opportunity for a refresher – and grateful that the FT’s policy is more generous. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Soumaya Keynes"}]},"description":{"basic":"The economic benefits of maternity leave do appear to have a limit in terms of mothers returning to work and promotion"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T11:58:03.528Z","headlines":{"basic":"Is there such a thing as too much parental leave?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DABXXOICSNDHLIT6EDDEY7UCMA","auth":{"1":"071b9c51a1ddffa50244c7e506474be9756b98ecb4215c56c036aec79b3e0848"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DABXXOICSNDHLIT6EDDEY7UCMA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Health"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/29/is-there-such-a-thing-as-too-much-parental-leave/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"VTME5DCWFNBMZCJXOJA5FUC6WU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/financial-services/2024/11/29/aib-agrees-to-4-pay-hike-next-year-as-three-year-deal-comes-to-an-end/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QKLKOBTOWJFM5MTVSRWTVTIJFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141698},"content":"AIB has agreed to a 4 per cent pay hike for workers next year, with all staff receiving a minimum €2,000 salary increase, as a three-year accord during the worst of the inflation crisis comes to an end.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIEULFVYPZGGNLI7DHHU4N7TGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141699},"content":"The bank said that the accord with the Financial Services Union (FSU) has also seen the union withdraw a claim for restoration of the 35-hour working week, which was increased to 37 hours in the wake of the financial crisis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMGCNRR2ANEGDPA3O7RJPKHJ4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141700},"content":"In exchange for the withdrawal of this claim, staff will receive a one-off tax-free voucher to the value of €1,500 in early 2025 and an extra day of leave to be taken in calendar year 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQGCSVUEOJDUTCQLUDKLAYKPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141701},"content":"The agreement, which must still be voted through by AIB staff, will see the minimum salary for the bank’s employees in the Republic rise by €2,000 to €30,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6O4OKITSTVDGJNR3BKSPNJCF3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875730036},"content":"Billy Barrett, senior industrial relations officer with the FSU, said its members in the bank will vote on the agreement over a two-week period closing on December 16th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7GJSYNR4VCHFAPRUYABWVAEZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875730037},"content":"“The FSU is recommending the agreement as it meets the criteria we set at the start of negotiations for an inflation-busting pay award and a pay award that helps our members with cost-of-living pressures,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGHL4OQIRZF3VEUP5AZHX6MPTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141702},"content":"The bank’s existing three-year pay deal, under which staff received a 10 per cent increase in total, is due to come to an end in March. It was the longest-lasting such agreement struck between an Irish retail bank and trade union officials.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTT4I44P7JGVVAWA2ACWIHKQYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141703},"content":"“We’re pleased to propose a pay agreement which concentrates on the lowest paid in the bank, resolves the last of the legacy productivity issues and further enhances our suite of employee supports to enable AIB and our people to build a more sustainable future for our 3.3 million customers,” said AIB’s chief people officer, David McCormack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG7BPNWBDRDFJHE67ZTEOYN3A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141704},"content":"The deal puts the focus on FSU negotiations with Bank of Ireland and PTSB, which each have one-year agreements in place, having last year given pay increases of 4 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6O4OKITSTVDGJNR3BKSPNJCF3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875730041},"content":"Shares in AIB have jumped 31 per cent so far this year, even though analysts have begun in recent times to lower their 2025 interest income – and earnings – forecasts for the sector as the European Central Bank (ECB) starts cutting official rates at a faster-than-expected pace. The ECB is widely expected to reduce rates next month for a fourth time since early June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBXF4NKP3FEIDAZM6NVECVZ5KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874141706},"content":"AIB posted net profits of €1.11 billion for the six months to the end of June, up from €854 million the same time last year, as it continued to benefit from a series of official interest rate hikes between July 2022 and September 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Agreement with Financial Services Union will see increase of €2,000 for lowest paid staff, bringing minimum salary to €30,000"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T10:04:01.281Z","headlines":{"basic":"AIB agrees to 4% pay hike next year as three-year deal comes to an end","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XIRUTTXXTFQKQWVBLDOYH32OLM","auth":{"1":"a244d9908b4a8cf67fcb8a5a27678c2796a627f09b92b90924e8b0f3bc759c1d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XIRUTTXXTFQKQWVBLDOYH32OLM.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/financial-services/2024/11/29/aib-agrees-to-4-pay-hike-next-year-as-three-year-deal-comes-to-an-end/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/financial-services","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Financial Services"}}}},{"_id":"HWWZMVOPDRCNFGY2WYBV6MRREA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":256,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/ff28f074-7ab6-4bf3-95af-e460621eef2b/versions/1732825171/media/594a17fbeb549557a8224a73bcd4190b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/29/cie-group-warns-scale-of-its-pension-contribution-facing-increase-to-unsustainable-levels/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MGUF26RJYVH23JFC4UVKXTQQGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834778},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJR3TWBL45AXBL3P5Q6UQUBUEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834779},"content":"The scale of pension contributions the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cie/\" target=\"_blank\">CIÉ Group</a> will have to make in future will increase significantly to unaffordable levels, based on actuarial projections, the chairman of the State-owned transport group has warned the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GA472EJ47VDN5JXEURFQXUJXB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834780},"content":"Aidan Murphy told Minister for Transport <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eamon-ryan/\" target=\"_blank\">Eamon Ryan</a> that the board wanted to transition over time to a single defined-contribution scheme across the group which includes <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-bus/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Bus</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bus-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\">Bus Éireann</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-rail/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Rail</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCOC3CGEUZD7ZHOZC2P4KPCUOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834781},"content":"The company in recent weeks has commenced talks to trade unions on pension reforms. It told the Minister the existing two pension schemes in the group had a combined deficit of €371 million last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BSNDJLNUBEJVDQRNHXAH4AFXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834782},"content":"The Irish Times understands that an options paper, considered by the board in September, looked at closing the existing schemes to new members. It also suggested that future pay talks be deferred until pension reforms were implemented or that any rises would be non-pensionable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MK3WZINCQZGQVMPVI4IGSTCIN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834783},"content":"The paper was withdrawn subsequently to allow for negotiations with trade unions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZLF33P3BRGIZJJ53F24IU2K44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834784},"content":"CIÉ Group is worried about the impact of rising staff numbers and unchanged benefit arrangements on its future liabilities. The group employs more than 12,500 people including contractors and there are more than 10,000 active members in the schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKZ3LIVZLZHUHOBAIFK5EWVWWI","additional_properties":{"_id":"OVDAPGH5AVHB3JPDTE5PWQEUAQ"},"content":"Crunch time looms for CIÉ pensioners as they voice fears for the future","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6Z4YFHZUURCFDP6EDXJCQ22KQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834785},"content":"The group is also concerned at the implications arising from a recent <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/high-court/\" target=\"_blank\">High Court</a> judgment in relation to the schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BUCXDAQNJBX7ON6K22OXNCD4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834786},"content":"At the same time the company and the Government have been coming under strong pressure from retired personnel who argue they are facing falling living standards as their pensions have been frozen for 15 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2FCZRZ3RBCEBMFLGEVQ7IA6SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834787},"content":"In a letter to trade unions in October the company warned that any change to employer pension costs would “have a significant impact on the CIÉ Group, including on the competitiveness of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in the context of direct contracts to run services awarded by the National Transport Authority or any future route tendering arrangements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KSA4I475REYXHNZLKNAMZKK7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834788},"content":"It said Irish Rail was also “not immune from having future funding difficulties”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4USTTNKVNENRJQCSW27YCM7GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834789},"content":"The CIÉ Group told The Irish Times that the pension liabilities at present at an estimated €2.7 billion were “bigger than the annual turnover of the group of €1.6 billion”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKUO75L56NHQZPLUGYIYDSLABM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834791},"content":"It said the pension liability risk had come into sharper focus as the solvency obligation rule for both CIÉ pension schemes was now more onerous following the recent High Court judgment in the legal proceedings instituted by the committee of one of schemes – known as the 1951 superannuation scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YM4LZ257WRAGZCCUB2IAJ6L7SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834792},"content":"“Within that engagement, both the CIÉ Group and the trade union group are extremely mindful of the frustration of pensioners across both schemes whose pensions have not been increased since 2008. However, pension increases can only be contemplated if those increases can be sustainably funded by the schemes.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXG7E3KKLNF3ZPJOUL3P7JXGA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834793},"content":"The CIÉ Group said in a statement that while a representative body for pensioners had a report which concluded, based on certain assumptions, that the CIÉ superannuation scheme could sustain an increase to pensioners of 2.6 per cent annually for the next 10 years, these findings were contradicted in a paper from the scheme actuary. It said that Aon concluded that the 1951 scheme could not sustain pensioner increases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZOOI46SHNCTNHKIEBJX57IMRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834794},"content":"“Given the contradictory advice, the CIÉ board asked Mercer to independently review both papers and their report was received in May 2024, which concluded that it was “difficult to see how the [CIÉ] board, acting prudently, could consent to the award of discretionary pension increases”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXSDPHAE3BH2RHMYMXQOFICNZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834795},"content":"“Ultimately the board of CIÉ cannot place both schemes in a position where pension increases (which become an immediate ongoing liability of the scheme, and which are largely protected in the event of a scheme wind-up) compromise the funding position of the scheme with respect to its statutory requirements. This would place the accrued benefits of active and deferred members at risk. Increases to pensions in payment cannot be awarded until such a time as the funds have sufficient capacity to bear the increased liability.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732806834796},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company concerned High Court ruling means solvency requirement more onerous for it and employees while pensioners press for end to 15-year pension freeze"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"CIÉ Group warns its pension bill set to increase to unsustainable levels","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YBCDUVNWFNHMFHQPE5CT7FHDTU","auth":{"1":"19f5a459019edf57b074b583f79fcfd09d1023a5e4c41d890dc1d716b0024d42"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YBCDUVNWFNHMFHQPE5CT7FHDTU.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/29/cie-group-warns-scale-of-its-pension-contribution-facing-increase-to-unsustainable-levels/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"2LWUQHIZJZAXPIOLHCIEQFCMQA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":717,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/2c2baec7-5d57-4a98-bbc2-bbec82efd2c8/versions/1732792818/media/3ced5ff838ca454b6f3cfc8ba6c6224c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/29/crunch-time-for-cie-pensioners-as-they-voice-their-fears-for-the-future/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AWGDFGO3WVF4XMXNXIBSHNSXWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630520},"content":"Speaking after the Budget in October, the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the Government had a “big focus on supporting older people – people who have worked hard all their lives”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPJTTFKIMREIBDXNPB27EXKXPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630522},"content":"The Government had provided a €12 increase per week in the State pension. “I don’t want any older person afraid to turn on their heating,” Ms Humphreys said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJO7NS4KZRCADBYSFH4V3LRV5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630524},"content":"Yet those representing staff who worked for the State transport companies maintain that hundreds of retired workers are already “effectively living in poverty”, as their pensions have been frozen for more than 15 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2V2SYA5LVHZDMO3LSRMPYTJRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630525},"content":"The pensioners’ group says hundreds of former CIÉ workers are struggling to survive because they have not received an increase to their pensions since 2008 and are not entitled to State benefits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOEHIMNFEJFT3NTMSZOJDQZQGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630526},"content":"The CIÉ group, which comprises Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, operates two pension schemes – one known as the 1951 scheme and another known as the regular wages scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X5BNM5DXNET5IK57HUUBIV2CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630527},"content":"The company maintains that the schemes are the only ones in the semi-State sector that are in deficit while remaining open to new members.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5B64SU7QYREZJPAJ2LAYXB34VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630528},"content":"However, official correspondence shows that the board is worried at the impact of a growing workforce and unchanged retirement benefits on the projected pension liabilities for the group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P72BRRYCLNFCBEPC3CPL7LG4Z4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630529},"content":"Some informed sources maintained that the CIÉ group currently has a turnover of about €1.6 billion and pension liabilities of about €2.7 billion. However there are projections that in ten years, the liabilities could reach €4 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHHC4VZFF5FRLAXNPO3S4DDT2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630530},"content":"CIÉ chairman Aidan Murphy told Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan in September that the schemes had a deficit amounting to €371 million at the end of last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKME22RXFFACXKLI5M3RM3ZBJY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ACISM6MX7NHUNGKLZYGBKPW3JU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"RYNQGVF4RND7ZDWBNSJSEQZNAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630531},"content":"“The pension deficit continues to be a big concern for the CIÉ group”, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6JNFXIVPZHSBJFSFQGVDHSFYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630532},"content":"The CIÉ board is also worried that actuarial calculations suggest the employer contribution in the future could “increase significantly to levels that are unaffordable to the group”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EREQ2EEKDBGVNE5US7FDWJ3UQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630533},"content":"Earlier this year, Murphy’s predecessor Fiona Ross warned Ryan that pensions remained “a critical challenge”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHX3QI63GRESLO4CMYTGPCIKAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630534},"content":"She said the big issue with the pension schemes was the size of liabilities that was “too big compared to the economic value of the Group”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5J4YZHUW25EABM27CQPJALWYNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630535},"content":"“Unless action is taken an investment or market shock may require unaffordable remedial action necessitating benefit cuts due to the requirements of the Pensions Act or because benefits promised are too expensive to pay”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKWW5GZTVJHALMMG5NEUM6OPBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630536},"content":"Far from potential benefit cuts, retired personnel and trade unions are pressing for increases, arguing that the real value of pensions have been eroded as prices have risen in recent years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XMEEDQMGEVD63HUCY474OCIDRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630537},"content":"Retired transport staff and their representatives have staged protests and have lobbied politicians to put pressure on Ryan about the pension freeze. The Department of Transport said in October that it had received roughly 160 Freedom of Information requests about the pension issue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULHUEHC7XZFK5GDC77BHTVASTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630538},"content":"Ryan has told the Dáil that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the schemes were capable of sustaining such increases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5HL67XVYZGXBHG4A2YN4OO6II","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630539},"content":"The CIÉ Salaried Pensioners Association, which represents some 2,200 of the group’s former employees, says several hundred of those now have incomes that fall short even of the State non-contributory pension of €266, with none of the additional automatic entitlements or some allowances provided by the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HD3VNYTQ7VF4JJKLCU4UBC2UFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630540},"content":"Those worst affected, says the association’s secretary, Bernie Tierney, are predominantly older members, many of them women. A significant number of them, she says, are effectively living in poverty, having seen already modest pensions devalued over the course of the last 16 years, particularly more recently as fuel prices spiked and other cost increases caused inflation to jump up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM2RK5LWN5FR7ENCOZP3LTAVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":"GCI762L6UNEDVBX5EJXXEJQ5YQ"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"HNWDXJOWAREOTFXVL3O5RKCZFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630541},"content":"“The expectation was that you would get an increase every year because that’s what always happened, but then that changed, and people have been left in a situation where their lives now are a lot harder than when they were working. Some of them can’t afford to heat their homes properly, but then they can’t afford to go out either,”she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE647T4UWRAIDGKE2BMCJNZBHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630542},"content":"Murphy told the Minister in September that the CIÉ board was “acutely aware of the challenge for pensioners . . . Unfortunately, the fragile funding positions of the schemes and the large FRS balance sheet deficit are significant obstacles to addressing this”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7S45XZQNGNBNZHHWELS6UQIAYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630544},"content":"“The board is also mindful of the need to provide public transport services as efficiently as possible, to deliver value for money for the Exchequer and to ensure the financial sustainability of the Group.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7GV365QRFBMFLE3AHV54N5DY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630545},"content":"The pensioner group says those most acutely affected started work with the company before 1995 and paid only Class D PRSI contributions, something that left them without the entitlement to the State pension.","type":"text"},{"_id":"67VUZIAUXNCS5JPTL74ODRDLWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630546},"content":"Ms Tierney says that while the consumer price index had increased by about 21 per cent since 2008, the State pension had gone up by 24 per cent and staff pay, to which the pensions were previously linked, had risen by 30 per cent since 2016. Still, the Class D pensions have remained entirely unchanged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4OBIBWVNBCLFPU7KJPD75ZG3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630547},"content":"The 1951 scheme is effectively for managerial and clerical staff. It is a defined-benefit arrangement, based on 40 years’ service, and the pension payment involves 50 per cent of final salary and a lump sum of one and a half years’ pay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TN2M6BM2O5C3BOSDTAHUTI2XGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630548},"content":"The regular wages scheme is based on 30 years of service, and provides for 20 per cent of final salary. In addition, there is a lump sum of 125 per cent of final salary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MS3YAYXYKBHJDEEFVER6XI2BRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630549},"content":"At present, the employer makes a contribution of €245 for every €100 from staff in the regular wages scheme, and €340 for every €100 in the 1951 scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGZEBXDRBZB63KAD34PDY3AQYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630550},"content":"The employer pension costs last year amounted to €67 million. With growing staff numbers, this is expected to increase to €75 million this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C43YVQA2GVDH5FXSQQZ32OU5RI","additional_properties":{"_id":"N5XGTXFN2RG5VHJBWX5W2Z4KPI"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"LECBDSH4MVGSLEAGKPBXPZFKM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630551},"content":"The actuarial valuation report for the 1951 scheme, dated September 30th, says that the employer contribution as a percentage of pensionable salary – relative to an average employee rate of circa 6.9 per cent – represented a multiple of 3.4. It said this translated into a contribution rate of 23.3 per cent of basic payroll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VSVKDXSRNG6PB5JZJYTBPVXKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630552},"content":"It says that the contribution rate required to meet the future service benefits is an employer multiple of 2.89 times member contributions – 19.7 per cent of pensionable salaries annually. However, it says there is also a past service deficit of €229.1 million. It says combined future service rate and past service deficit adjustment would involve an employer multiple of 4.2 – or 28.7 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBDHCUSA6BFNTC3SXADZML625I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630553},"content":"The report says it was advised by the board “that this level is unaffordable”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRYXW36RGRDWVLVFRJKZZP6UPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630554},"content":"In May 2021, trade union members in the CIÉ companies voted to accept reforms put forward by the Labour Court. These proposed a new minimum age of retirement of 63 for those under the age of 60.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OC3LBGNSONFOZO5PH4766UMNM4","additional_properties":{"_id":"UTGSIO4SSBCB7G2F7ODOUZH62Q"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"YHRDYDTSQZDYLGQGBDTULW4GJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630555},"content":"Those wishing to retire before 63 could do so, however, by paying a contribution from their lump sum. Their pension in such circumstances would not be discounted. The scheme would remain open to new entrants, but pensions would be based on career average earnings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHIZ7UEXSRGLRDKFWBMCGZKRTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630557},"content":"However, implementation of the changes was delayed as a result of a legal case brought by the committee of the 1951 scheme, over its rules regarding funding and solvency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BZU2GBV7VVFHPACRUISHOKT6Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630558},"content":"Judgment in the case was delivered in April this year, and in the intervening three years, staff continued to be employed on the previous pension terms. The company also believed the ruling had implications for the affordability of the schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBHBAM6WMBGF5AXHTERUXU6YP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630560},"content":"On October 2nd, the company told the group of trade unions that the solvency obligation rule in the 1951 scheme (and in the regular wages scheme) was now “more onerous” on both the company and employees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGVTZZDVHBCDJBMJC7ERJPSJHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630561},"content":"It said following the ruling that the statutory funding standard must now be met “at all times”, and must also include future benefits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXK6O77K25EDRPYPQOTDDMYVEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630562},"content":"It added: “The judgment also confirms that solvency is unequivocally a shared burden with employees. The statutory funding standard measures the ability of the scheme to pay accrued benefits at a point in time ‘were the fund to be wound up’. While previously funding on an ‘ongoing basis’, the long-term sustainability of the scheme was paramount, the judgment now means that both the company and staff must maintain the scheme in a position to be wound up. To assert that the scheme is ‘fully funded’ means essentially that the scheme meets the minimum financial criteria to be wound up and does not meet the obligations for future accruals.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5OSKPFOTVDPDHVWYGINJB3HPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"XAYAW7C6PFHNBAOY7XP7WYY5EA"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"XL4PITPSPNFL3G3IN7K6VLQFZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630564},"content":"The company maintained that “in essence, the extremely expensive Court case has clearly demonstrated that spending millions in schemes’ funds was an exercise in futility”. It said the process had delayed for years the implementation of the most modest of changes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKRE53IV6FFPTPYV7GBR7OAN4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630565},"content":"The company letter followed a lengthy board discussion on September 11th at which it considered several options for reform of pension arrangements but subsequently decided to commence talks on the issues with trade unions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBUXB7TKRJFKBDABX65KYUIX2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630566},"content":"Among the proposals considered in the now-withdrawn options paper was to close the defined benefit pension scheme to new entrants, to establish a single defined contribution arrangement for new employees, to identify other changes to manage costs, and to defer negotiations on future pay talks until “necessary pension changes are implemented” or that pay rises should be made non-pensionable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7TIT5VLEZBKZHH27P4PYJEM2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630567},"content":"Unions told members last week that they did not agree with the company proposals: “Whilst CIÉ has its agenda, the trade union group remains resolute in ensuring that sustainable increases for pensions in payment will be top of our agenda.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIP6SH54JBGCXHCDLTXPSU6LVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732792205187},"content":"’When inflation was very high, our pensions didn’t keep up with it’","type":"header"},{"_id":"5DQOEFP66RDZBBNWCQGV3RS64Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630571},"content":"Retired staff in other State-owned firms maintain their living standards have been eroded as a result of measures taken to control costs in their company pension funds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XPPF56HNJRD57NCYL2INTTTOZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630572},"content":"Members of An Post pensioners group will protest in Cork on Friday to publicise their call for a review of measures adopted more than a decade ago to address funding shortfalls in their scheme, something they say has been successfully achieved in no small part because of their sacrifice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BZ5X5EMQXFACPFDO5MKUHX7NPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630573},"content":"Paul Moreland, chair of Post Office Pensioners United, says more than 7,000 An Post pensioners lost ground on State pension recipients and current staff at the company over the course of a 10-year agreement intended to address a pension fund deficit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPWZCRUKOJA53NIUJKDAW4BB4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630574},"content":"“The way it worked was, there are three options for calculating increases and whichever of them produced the lowest result, that’s what we got,” he said. “If inflation was zero, then we got nothing, but through the years there when inflation was very high, our pensions didn’t keep up with it: the most we could get of an increase was 2 per cent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTY4RCOI6BCZRORQET6BOQMMRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630575},"content":"More recently, the pensioners did get a higher increase as part of a wider agreement between management and the main union at the company, the CWU, but Mr Moreland remains critical and says he has written to new An Post chairman Kieran Mulvey seeking a review of the situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2EKDZO2LWRFC5LKZ7GDW7ZDWSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630576},"content":"Mr Mulvey recently told an Oireachtas committee the company pension scheme was “in rude good health and has an €500 million surplus”. He committed to looking at the concerns raised by pensioners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVYPHXB5DZE2XN4STBF26OL76Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630577},"content":"In the case of the ESB, there are about 9,000 retired members of the defined benefit scheme. This closed to new members in 2010 when, according to Tony Collins, retired chair of the ESB Retired Staff Association, existing pensioners had an agreement between management and unions representing then current staff imposed on them without consultation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFE5YZWGXBH4PJJCB76E3ZAQ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732783630579},"content":"He says the people his group represents have lost out as a result, with a previous link to staff salary increases abandoned and increases for pensioners running at only slightly over half those for serving staff, about 14 per cent compared to about 25 per cent, in the years since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Retired personnel say their living standards are being eroded, with some facing poverty as their pensions have been frozen for 15 years"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Crunch time looms for CIÉ pensioners as they voice fears for the future ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"D3MKMPHFM5M3BGHG4ZXCO7KRN4","auth":{"1":"dd95a982437645388bc60756b90c3c06dd78c20147394dd28025fbaa4f66e75d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/D3MKMPHFM5M3BGHG4ZXCO7KRN4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/29/crunch-time-for-cie-pensioners-as-they-voice-their-fears-for-the-future/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"BRZJKHF4DFDW7FUFNMN7VIBNMU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":283,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/eeedec44-c245-40cf-a37e-5666b63bad84/versions/1732707119/media/3ca273c2f8ff5929740e013e2e5da2ed_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/28/no-work-phone-companies-that-tell-staff-to-bring-their-own-could-be-walking-in-to-danger/","content_elements":[{"_id":"L3LCQ7H2KFDPZL6XYPLLEJRRNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745964},"content":"When your company’s cyber security team contacts you personally, it is rarely for a positive reason.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSAUC7ZFNZAEHI3ALRNWM3WKXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745965},"content":"In my case, it was to inform me I would no longer be able to access my work emails from my phone. Apparently my device – a second-hand model I bought several years ago – was so old it had become a security risk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UNUQZSO7RC6LDOXMUGCJAR6BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745966},"content":"This has simply meant checking my work emails less – many would think hardly a sacrifice. But not all workers without company phones can enjoy this luxury.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UA7PXTIIFVHF3M4FFF4HJ4TSN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745967},"content":"“Bring your own device” (BYOD) policies, where staff are allowed to use a personal phone for work-related tasks, are “more common than ever”, according to technology services company Global Relay. In a survey this year, 67 per cent of companies said they operated such policies, up from 51 per cent in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4BKOF5V2NEBJJNF3SV5GXCW6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745968},"content":"Employees appear less than enthusiastic about this trend. A poll commissioned by Motorola last year found 62 per cent of respondents agreed that having work items on their personal devices made it difficult for them to relax, while 54 per cent of those without a work smartphone wanted their organisation to provide one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABIVBXVZ2FEUVPPCXH3W7ZQF3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745969},"content":"David D’Souza, director of profession at the CIPD body for HR workers, says this may not make a difference, however. “The bigger challenge is not who owns the device, it’s what you’re doing on that device and where the boundaries are set.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZN6YNFABYRD5PHSIBPJJLUVXR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732803582943},"content":"Some employees may like accessing their work emails on their personal device – it stops them having to carry around two devices and means all their contacts are in one place. But “there’s a big difference in agency between someone who checks their emails at the weekend to ensure they’re not behind and a boss calling someone [on their personal phone] at 1am”, adds D’Souza.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UK5X23MVZA5VJNWZGWFLAYH4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745971},"content":"One public sector worker confirms this, saying they are frequently contacted on their personal phone out of hours – including one late-night message chasing them for a “mental health awareness day selfie” for the organisation’s blog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDPGMZ2T5RA5JEZH6J5C7NR2HM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745972},"content":"Employee wellbeing is not the only worry when it comes to phones. In 2021, JPMorgan paid $200 million (€190 million) to US regulators to settle charges over its Wall Street division using WhatsApp and other apps to communicate with high-profile clients, in breach of federal record-keeping laws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7PHNBERPZAMZONFF6DUQT4TS4","additional_properties":{"_id":"3UCDHC6EBNCAHDOPDRUI7OVM24"},"content":"‘Gone are the days of taking a phone call in the open’: why office pods are needed everywhere","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"6XN6TBGYJ5HETEYKQRX5QJZCEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745973},"content":"Oliver Blower, chief executive of VoxSmart, which provides employee-surveillance software, says using personal phones may be appropriate in some sectors. But in a job such as trading, where “anything related to or intended to result in a transaction has to be recorded”, allowing employees to do this on anything other than a corporate-issued device is “penny-wise, pound-foolish”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6RAF2BKYJH63CZJPV5PFRA65E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745974},"content":"Companies trying to save money with “bring your own device” policies risk falling foul of regulators, he says. “They’re trying to save a few bucks on phone tariffs but they’re getting whacked with $100 million fines. We’ve seen them all swing to BYOD then come back to corporate-issued.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPBHK54ARRCY7NVGCICJEUFXCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745975},"content":"Staff in these sectors also have to tread carefully. Some banks now train employees to recognise when conversations on personal phones should be moved to official channels. Others require them to take screenshots of work-related messages on their personal devices to share with compliance departments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIMRSWGUUBDCBB5CJZYJFNZ44Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745976},"content":"Blower, a former trader, says: “Everyone wants to use WhatsApp in trading because we use WhatsApp in our personal lives.” His advice to employees is blunt: “If you’re not given the tools to do your job, resign.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRVYARHGHZDNFEBE2CZMLYNGAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745977},"content":"Outside highly regulated professions, D’Souza sees the debate of work phone versus BYOD as more “a cultural ... than a technology issue”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGSXWBE2L5HSVIA2RELX7KNJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745978},"content":"He says organisations should be aware of staff working hours, although he is sceptical about an official “right to disconnect”. He points to a CIPD survey that found only a fifth of UK workers would actually use such a policy to halt all digital contact outside working hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3XSNC2UM5C6FJ2WH2GYZG5YUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745979},"content":"For some, however, it is not an issue at all. “It’s been about a year since I last switched my work phone on,” says one investment bank analyst.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VIMEQX4EVJDA5HY4PUTLXRRGC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704745980},"content":"What if there were a work emergency? “I have my personal number on my email. They could call me on that,” they reply. “But why would I keep my work phone on? It’s not like I’m going to spend my Saturdays checking Teams.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ben Parr"}]},"description":{"basic":"Using personal devices for work carries risks for employers, while for employees there is no guarantee of a neat divide between work and home life"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"No work phone? Companies that tell staff to bring their own could be walking into danger","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IZJQIYYA4ZADHOQZJRLIIOQLYA","auth":{"1":"7bd679c7c89832d1a7c48b52f7f3164c9bdf74eecb33f65bdfe1dc26fa2e37e0"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IZJQIYYA4ZADHOQZJRLIIOQLYA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/28/no-work-phone-companies-that-tell-staff-to-bring-their-own-could-be-walking-in-to-danger/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"NPDE3LMFOBEUBMWZRFPFXGUPDI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":245,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0494efc5-3ae4-4f4f-9b3a-0c878a624ed8/versions/1732469655/media/3ae859ddd0d1445c84e8cfed62714ae6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/25/search-for-auto-enrolment-asset-managers-to-start-within-weeks/","content_elements":[{"_id":"S4MHELSLZJEIHBSMVLSG7KLUH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139222},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-social-protection/\" target=\"_blank\">Department of</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-social-protection/\" target=\"_blank\"> Social Protection</a> said it plans “in the coming weeks” to start its long-awaited official search for four investment firms to manage assets under <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/auto-enrolment/\" target=\"_blank\">auto-enrolment</a>, the mandatory workplace pension scheme coming into operation next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CU7CAUGLLNCW7G4CTIM3XMPZRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139223},"content":"Officials in the department have also disclosed to The Irish Times that they plan to tweak the fee structure envisaged under the plan to include a flat annual fee which will be levied on each of the 800,000 workers expected to be captured by the scheme, in addition to a charge based on a percentage of assets under management.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44UK45K7DND3DLQ3JBS4VBIWNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139224},"content":"They did not give further details on the fees, other than that the department “will ensure these are highly competitive”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UJVAHZKMRGU7AOMPYB2GBEJWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139225},"content":"Officials had originally planned for annual management fees of 0.5 per cent of assets under management – with most of the money going to the investment managers – but some also earmarked for running costs of the authority overseeing the scheme, which will be known as My Future Fund.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7CR5347K5CEFJBCVNVU3WSJXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139226},"content":"A flat-fee element would disproportionately affect lower paid workers with smaller investment pots in the scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZKG7GO4GBFZTG4G7NLI6L66RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139227},"content":"“The department is currently engaged in preparing and drafting an RFT [request for tender] for investment managers. This work is at an advanced stage and the RFT is expected to issue in the coming weeks,” a spokesman for the department said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMO24SVB7VGVBKEA5SDSVXKDV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139228},"content":"“Fees associated with My Future Fund are under active consideration and are likely to constitute a flat fee for administration purposes and a percentage of assets under management for investment services. Through negotiation with service providers, the Department will ensure these are highly competitive.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJISGGEBGFHU7F5EJLUAX7IULQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139229},"content":"The outgoing Minister for Social Protection, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heather-humphreys/\" target=\"_blank\">Heather Humphreys</a>, who is not standing in this week’s general election, signed a commencement order in October that would see the long-delayed mandatory workplace pension scheme begin operations at the end of September next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMWWTLOXCFAEJIIXGHJFMJQWDU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4E4THZNEVBE6DLRF6DGNBX3MVQ"},"content":"Pension opt out may disappear as firms look to sidestep auto-enrolment","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5434YC6ZAVFHJBLKLSLMB6YY2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139230},"content":"Her officials aim to select four investment management companies to invest contributions from employees, employers and the State. The investment managers will provide three strategies: higher risk, medium risk and lower risk. All participants will be placed in a default strategy if they do not choose a specific one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFJWJH4HLBAZHC4LVOCSM37UFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139231},"content":"Auto-enrolment will apply to workers aged between 23 and 60 who earn at least €20,000 a year across one or more jobs and are not already members of an occupational pension scheme. Employers and employees will each initially contribute 1.5 per cent of gross earnings to their pension pot, with the Government adding a further 0.5 per cent. The contributions are due to increase in stages, reaching 6 per cent, 6 per cent and 2 per cent respectively in 2034.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VE53XHZPCZHK3E6Y3MVN2IYSKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139232},"content":"The department has signed up Indian group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tata-consulting/\" target=\"_blank\">Tata Consultancy Services</a>, which has a base in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, employing 1,400 people, to build and run the auto-enrolment system for the next 15 years at a cost of €150 million. Tata administers a similar system in the UK.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7SSBJ2YUZCBZA7AYUBVTLSL7A","additional_properties":{"_id":"PHHG5Q4ST5CDJLBQUTYZHKC4XA"},"content":"India’s Tata Consultancy Services preferred bidder to build auto-enrolment pension system","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NQ6QPVDVBZGERB2GZKAJ5PHFKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139233},"content":"The recent Finance Act 2024 set a taxation approach for benefits in an auto-enrolment investment pot on the death of a scheme member that differs to the one operating under standard defined contribution (DC) schemes or personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs).","type":"text"},{"_id":"4P7OTVPYVJDEJMX3UBWBB32NOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139234},"content":"In DC and PRSA schemes, funds in a member’s plan are subject to certain lump-sum limits and inheritance tax rules following their death. However, the recent Act has established that funds in an auto-enrolment plan will be subject to income tax for the beneficiary as they would be entitled to the full amount in the participant’s account in a lump sum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2SMMQISQZAJVE6RGBBEC5NXTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732448139235},"content":"A spokeswoman for the Department of Finance said its officials and the Revenue Commissioners are considering ways to more closely align the tax treatment on death of both regimes before it becomes an issue, starting with potential measures in Finance Bill 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Officials now plan flat charge on participants to run scheme which will hit lower paid people harder"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T05:33:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Search for auto-enrolment asset managers to start within weeks","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY","auth":{"1":"8014cecd659545681bb74de5f974f921dc829072b2c80eaca3210ca6e8b11f12"},"focal_point":{"x":1767,"y":1348},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FO7PPDXFVJBTZKFPK6JDZFSERY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/25/search-for-auto-enrolment-asset-managers-to-start-within-weeks/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"DJ5TKEWAMJGQVKVIR66LFN7YHQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":282,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/cb7c08c0-9d09-47a2-8e62-d664fa34493a/versions/1732462980/media/2d66ab4460f700543a25adce182ca4e2_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/25/climate-cops-and-the-art-of-the-deal/","content_elements":[{"_id":"44WU4MHKQZA6HOFQMKEIRJZS6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154825},"content":"One day at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cop29/\" target=\"_blank\">Cop29</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/climate-change/\" target=\"_blank\">climate</a> conference in Baku last week, I ran into a veteran of these sprawling talks who said he had been rereading Getting to Yes, the bestselling book on how to negotiate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7RDIBNGCORBJRNQOV7434YHBKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154826},"content":"“It just made me laugh,” said former European Union negotiator Kaveh Guilanpour from the C2ES climate think tank.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBWRRKUBCBFDDALQDFGTUQKJYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154827},"content":"Cops could deliver significant agreements, he said, but generally after messy, zero-sum wrangling that was the opposite of the book’s advice on how to negotiate successfully.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZZ4K6TEOJJD5HFFPCQ764CSGY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154828},"content":"He has a point. All too often, Cops have been better at getting to no. Progress is predictably glacial in talks between nearly 200 countries with wildly differing interests, that take decisions by consensus, not a majority vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27DGIKSFY5CGNOUFUKMZ23EAWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154829},"content":"Even when deals finally emerge, they are often deliberately drafted to allow multiple sides to say they have won. Witness last year’s Cop agreement in Dubai on a transition away from fossil fuels in “energy systems”. That could mean all energy use, or just power, heating and cooling. Take your pick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX4NFKVZGRBGXGO52KR3S3QSJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732461036607},"content":"“That would never happen in business, where lawyers make sure each side knows precisely what they’re signing up for,” says British economist Michael Jacobs, a seasoned Cop watcher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"74I27UK47VGJNF6GSWR3YEZAHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154830},"content":"Nonetheless, these two-week tussles over financial, legal, trade, farming, health and scientific issues, to name just a few agenda items, make Cops the Olympics of negotiations. And as Getting to Yes says, negotiation is a fact of life, whether you are trying to buy a house, close a business deal or squeeze a pay rise from your boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QZUDFTVTFEUXPRFNO2DP2QVDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154832},"content":"Helpfully, there are a few things that can be learned from these talks, starting with the importance of knowing your enemy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAD6VTBQLZBEPJQ7ALTLU2NLCU","additional_properties":{"_id":"RFSGKCORG5DODLU76XSXPOTLQU"},"content":"Deal reached at Cop29 but developing countries say it is not enough to avoid climate catastrophe","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PEKKCL62INBA5BRGRXZNPAFJSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154833},"content":"Many successful Cop negotiators get their way by knowing exactly how their opponents are likely to react. One man told me last week he once went to a Cop meeting where he knew that whatever he said was going to be opposed by another country’s delegate. “So I went in and said the complete opposite of what I wanted,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OWJIZBQNJGBVGB3X54K2W7TQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732461036611},"content":"Sure enough, the other negotiator immediately opposed it and unwittingly delivered the desired result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6SUVK566NBFZM7GTZO6E5EYLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"NDGF7DJDABHOXAC4BCZTBGEZS4"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"6DZBNMFHMZBZBHAT7EEFJRE7HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154834},"content":"This is a reminder of the need for a certain level of negotiating ruthlessness, even if it seems risky.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YD5NJSKLNGKDMWFWAFGRX2WPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154835},"content":"The testy 2011 Cop in Durban, South Africa, eventually agreed a deal paving the way for the 2015 Paris Agreement after what has gone down in climate talks lore as “the huddle that made history”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYMXM4OSYBCNTJXFBKIOJKH6XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154836},"content":"As the meeting ran more than a day over time, a handful of top negotiators frantically tried to iron out a compromise on the conference floor, surrounded by a sea of photo-snapping journalists and delegates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJNHXW4KSRHN5FCYHN6AFOXUDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154837},"content":"Fearing the worst, one European rushed to the stage to ask the Cop president, South Africa’s Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, if a room could be found for the envoys to hash out a solution in private. “She said, ‘No, it’s best to leave them there because they will make a decision’,” this man told me in Baku. “And she was right. They did.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GOQRREO2GVFP5O5YOJOIWBNYKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154838},"content":"That story underlines the importance of the human element in any negotiation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VBNAQQGUNEI5KBIJFS5WRQ2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154839},"content":"Before she became European Central Bank president, Christine Lagarde is said to have stopped food being served to French and German negotiators during one long round of talks in Brussels. The Germans eventually gave up out of hunger, according to the former IMF chief’s biographer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLBFXHMW5ZABNINSXTXRTZRNII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154840},"content":"Billionaire financier Carl Icahn is a famous night owl known for holding negotiations long past most people’s bedtimes, giving him an edge over exhausted opponents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEMTA5YIXBF5PMPIMYYL6EGGNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154841},"content":"Cops are not immune from this sort of thing. Lead negotiators are not above holding important meetings in small rooms to keep down numbers and hasten decisions. It’s no fun for those left standing for hours on end, as one victim told me.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WSMBG6EC6FBNXLJFQJYUPZOV3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154843},"content":"On a more cheering note, Cops have also illustrated the importance of pleasing physical locations for negotiations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVZ7UW2MLVCZHMFUFDC5BUEFSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154844},"content":"After the disappointing Copenhagen Cop of 2009, which ended in recriminations after failing to produce a strong deal, Mexico’s beachside city of Cancún was chosen for the 2010 meeting that had to revive the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSTCZ3S2YBE5LC4O6OUKQN6NOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154845},"content":"At one point when the Cancún talks grew tense, Mexico’s top negotiator disappeared from the room and returned to slam a bottle of tequila down on the table.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZA5Q6DULRDV3NFRJB23WY2Y5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732458154846},"content":"“It was a real icebreaker,” one delegate with happy memories of the moment told me last week. The show went back on the road. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Olympics of negotiations offer lessons for corporate life"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Negotiation is a fact of life, whether you are trying to buy a house, close a deal or squeeze a pay rise","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KIYHXITKESQCLU72MMBAKRNLEM","auth":{"1":"7aa5fffd0e7cc18f6d30dd0115925698868e6ec5aad7f65b49fd30b82defa317"},"focal_point":{"x":2347,"y":1184},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KIYHXITKESQCLU72MMBAKRNLEM.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/25/climate-cops-and-the-art-of-the-deal/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"ZPF4SNVKVBDC7MJVPDWK5ELENE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":144,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/32aa0ce4-c869-407b-a215-43fa0fd4e98c/versions/1732473389/media/a53e6b76ae8e636f4aab945634a9dea9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/25/royal-london-enters-fast-growing-irish-prsa-market/","content_elements":[{"_id":"F6QLKCZ4JFG7TBX7HJVLJWZAOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656709},"content":"The Irish arm of UK life and pensions group <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/royal-london/\" target=\"_blank\">Royal London</a> has decided to enter the Irish personal retirement savings account (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/prsa/\" target=\"_blank\">PRSA</a>) market, one of the fastest-growing areas of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pensions</a> market in recent times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QR2UETBQ7FHTTDJ3SWPQDG5HZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656710},"content":"Royal London Ireland chief executive Noel Freeley said the move illustrated the company’s “long-term commitment to the Irish broker market”, after entering Irish pensions with its approved retirement fund and personal retirement bond offering.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2CKPNA22VEFJPOOYC4V2BCI6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656711},"content":"The PRSA market, established in 2002 as a type of flexible long-term personal pension plan, has grown sharply in popularity in recent years, amid efforts by the government and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pensions-authority/\" target=\"_blank\">Pensions Authority</a> to encourage business owners to move away from single-member executive pension schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NF7FIZMPWFE5NN23R2JKAGFU2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656712},"content":"The government used the Finance Act 2022 to remove the benefit-in-kind (BIK) treatment of employer contributions to employees’ plans. BIK is ordinarily treated as taxable income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPKCUVYB2FEGTGIMN4STMZL66A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656713},"content":"However, the Finance Bill 2025, signed into law earlier this month, has placed a limit on employer contributions from a BIK-exemption perspective to 100 per cent of income drawn from the business in the same year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOZV5CKP2NHB5KLHQUDAMZX4Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656714},"content":"The PRSA market in Ireland, which was comprised of seven main firms, including Irish Life, Aviva and Standard Life before Royal London entered the fray, saw annual premium equivalent contributions reach €400 million in 2023, up from €149 million in 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KONENGEZGVHDNLJKZOCLUSNCGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732459656715},"content":"Royal London, the first big life and pensions firm to enter this segment of the market in about a decade, estimates the market will grow even more strongly this year. Financial advisers had warned business owners to use a short window between the unveiling of Budget 2025 in early October and the Finance Act was signed into law on November 12th, to up contributions to maximise tax-efficient payments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D57JEFBDVJELPDE6NZMI2JCTK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732467349657},"content":"Still, financial advisers say the PRSA is expected to remain attractive to executives and business owners even after the move to cap the tax benefits of contributions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joe Brennan"}},"name":"Joe Brennan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Flexible personal pension model has been boosted by government efforts to steer business owners away from single-member schemes"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T04:59:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Royal London enters fast-growing Irish PRSA market","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OSLBSLHHXSPIKC72APD6XDTFSQ","auth":{"1":"f1b6fe84b3ffa7394d7a3c04bfa5e814afb8c7c3902e6af8f4afed222df1c336"},"focal_point":{"x":2449,"y":1157},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OSLBSLHHXSPIKC72APD6XDTFSQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Financial Services"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/25/royal-london-enters-fast-growing-irish-prsa-market/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"QJK6VVZQTVAHVIVUNNZ5OCDUPQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":317,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/080b2f5f-4a1a-4864-b8c5-38a9b449da87/versions/1732450382/media/833b023a04ada4c23e29f8cff69c951f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/is-remote-work-bad-for-productivity/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RSRFK6H4MBHANNQT3ALMJXYB5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105553},"content":"Do companies get more bang for their buck from having workers on site? It would seem like a seminal question to ask of the post-pandemic workplace. And there isn’t a clear-cut answer or at least the research (there have been dozens of studies) points in different directions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAXZS424FBDKZBV232DFQCLGAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393279},"content":"A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh, which analysed S&P 500 companies that implemented in-office requirements for at least a few weekdays between June 2019 and January 2023, found employee or company performance wasn’t improved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SRZWPDH2ZHUVFFT3YA2B2TAN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105556},"content":"Another conducted by researchers at Stanford University found that fully remote work was associated with about 10 per cent lower productivity than fully in-person work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NSDXMVCRMFFLNNBOQXB7UHZPFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105557},"content":"“Challenges with communicating remotely, barriers to mentoring, building culture and issues with self-motivation appear to be factors,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLL5E4R7Q5FK5DJMPVJX3ECZP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393282},"content":"But can we really make some overarching judgment about remote work and productivity when there are so many different work types, some that could benefit, others that patently won’t. And that’s before you account for the personalities involved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYUSTDMYKZGVHLAKWBUOVELXGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393283},"content":"Perhaps the best answer to the remote work productivity puzzle was the one I got from several company bosses here. They claimed the people who were productive in the office remained productive at home and vice versa. The implication being those who tended to doss in the office tended to do the same at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DLAE7O7HNF3PLNV3LN3GZ56VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393284},"content":"Might much of the current drive to get workers back into office be secretly motivated by a desire to monitor slackers?","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWFE4XIHJNAPNMKW3MREWFJIDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105562},"content":"As a journalist, stay-at-home protocols during lockdown allowed me jump from meeting to meeting without trooping about the place. And given a lot of reporting tends to be done over the phone, on a straight wordcount I could argue I was more productive at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6KTZVLOEFGVZGCAH3PWJMCNJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105564},"content":"But this came at the expense of meeting fewer people, cultivating fewer contacts and missing those off-the-record chit-chats with Government officials and others on the fringes of meetings that can provide context and insight. In a world of saturating news cycles, insight is a valuable commodity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQB26EZM4BBXNKUDFJN4GCUFM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105566},"content":"My personal experience perhaps underscores the hybrid model that the post-pandemic work landscape seems to have landed on naturally (the three day in, two day out routine).","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQLQIEE2HNEODNDETM7NVNM2YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105567},"content":"For many businesses, however, face-to-face human contact is simply not interchangeable with Zoom or Slack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YWPZRDB45CKPMO67CLLKMZKAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393291},"content":"The initial remote-working narrative was that it gave people, particularly time-starved workers, a better work-life balance. Surveys consistently highlight people’s preference for avoiding the hassle of commuting. The downside is that it can be isolating. As author Malcolm Gladwell says, is “sitting at home in your pyjamas” really the sort of career you envisaged for yourself?","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWL526I75RDS7G24E7MU3HQXFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393293},"content":"Besides missing out on the mentoring, younger workers are potentially missing out on workplace friendships, office banter, after-work drinks. Collegiality is an intangible office commodity that perhaps we took too much for granted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQZ6CITMKRGYFOPU4HELN5F6WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105572},"content":"It seemed plausible then that a generational divide might develop with older workers wanting more flexible arrangements (reflecting their stage in life) and younger ones looking for a more dynamic in-person work existence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7YQLOCU3BDTXDYUNDFBP3KT5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732206105573},"content":"But that’s not how it’s playing out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RNDLUSX2JB23JXIZNTIQLZWMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393296},"content":"Older workers, perhaps with a deeper experience of the workplace, have, in many cases, accepted the return-to-work directives. In contrast Gen Z digital natives, used to communicating via DMs or video chat, are the ones pushing for greater hybrid work arrangements, even for total remote options.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G3QHRWE7RVA4VFXHPK6ODRUKHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393297},"content":"According to a recent study by National Broadband Ireland in partnership with Grow Remote, over half (55 per cent) of Gen Z workers feel remote and hybrid working will have a positive impact on their career advancement compared to just 23 per cent of 45–54-year-olds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WU6YWWMZMRD27BCNTVOITYQ4ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732446808421},"content":"Regardless of how this age divide plays out, there is potentially a bigger issue at play, particularly in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEBUEHVOD5AQDL5OMV6OSFMI4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393299},"content":"Since the pandemic, more women have been able to work or at least have been enticed to take up roles. According to the latest Labour Force Survey from the Central Statisics Office, the participation rate for women now stands at a record 61.4 per cent. The assumption is that many women take responsibility for caring roles in the family, which limit their ability to attend the office on a conventional 9-5 basis. The new arrangements have provided a workaround.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAPLJZBFUJCG5IU6XVDMVFAUWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393300},"content":"Much of the additional employment driving Ireland’s economy at the moment is being facilitated by having more women working.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZNNT42ZIRFHDKPYAGB6WZ7H5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393301},"content":"Of course, there are negative aspects: the decline in city centre footfall and the downturn in commercial property values. In Dublin, office leasing in the first quarter fell to a decade low. Facebook owner Meta’s decision to forgo occupying nearly 35,000 sq ft of the former AIB Bankcentre site in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 is emblematic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UH3E6WJFFGNFETJHTYSRBZGCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732213393302},"content":"We’re long enough in the tooth to know that sometimes trends, even mega-trends, things we thought would last, fade and fizzle out as quickly as they came. The remote working trend seems more than a fad but how much more is still to be determined.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGAMHL72S5EORLYCVQTM5A32XE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}},"name":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Many company bosses are pushing for a complete return to the office but does research and lived experience back that position"},"display_date":"2024-11-24T11:22:34.962Z","headlines":{"basic":"Is remote working bad for productivity?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DYK76NMTDNCEFDGHD7S4BNPAHA","auth":{"1":"9507e8a25cd38051c44168e2dece5a1bc2e2d3b500370700cf7ad5ee5df378d1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DYK76NMTDNCEFDGHD7S4BNPAHA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Economy"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/is-remote-work-bad-for-productivity/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"NQDOWRCZAFEY7O3KWA4WJJK3NM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":306,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d2a10e89-c419-44d8-88b8-6bc4635936e4/versions/1732187599/media/f50679099e740d03b38c3d3636bbdf2f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/an-irish-businessman-in-singapore-youll-get-a-year-in-jail-if-you-are-in-a-drunken-brawl-so-people-dont-step-out-of-line/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OJLUDP6CCRHA7JBIFWHSS5ENJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306382},"content":"Pivoting from his accounting background into the world of fund management proved to be a smart choice for Cork-born Martin O’Regan. It has led to an interesting career that has taken him around the world and positioned him well for his role leading a niche business that provides independent directorship for global fund management companies from his base in Singapore.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJLSASND2BBD3E2DGBGG2M5UX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306383},"content":"O’Regan, the youngest of seven children, qualified as an accounting technician in his native city before moving to a job in Dublin and taking his CPA qualifications. “Dublin was being heavily promoted as a fund centre in the 1990s, with the growth of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ifsc/\" target=\"_blank\">IFSC</a>, and relatively few people were going into it, so I decided that was a good area to move into and I found the work interesting.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YRN3TXGMXVA6ZO3YJTZAA4JYTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306384},"content":"It also provided a platform for a global career and O’Regan found himself working in Bermuda in the early Noughties as an account manager managing a team of supervisors and fund accountants. Further moves took him to Cayman, Hong Kong and Dubai, working for global firms such as UBS and Deutsche Bank among others, all the while building his expertise and Rolodex of contacts in global financial services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PADAUQF4CVAM5C3IA3RUXZW33Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306385},"content":"“I was willing to work hard in these roles, was prepared to move, could do the job and could assimilate into different environments and work with different cultures,” he says. “Irish people tend to be good at that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YO3HZI4RI5F5TDEVE7EPIQ477U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306386},"content":"O’Regan settled in Singapore, where he gained permanent residency. This allowed him to set up his business, Solas Fiduciary Services in 2016. The 10-strong firm provides directorship services for hedge funds, private equity funds, fintech and real estate funds, covering jurisdictions including Cayman, Bermuda, Dublin, Luxembourg, Singapore and Hong Kong.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCIO2WQ2QJEMXBVJSPBEGY6RZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NCMK3V6LKZEJNCLVPBA7YLB5XM"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"OR4RTQIOQFAEXNYHNXEQNHYF3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"O’Regan says the range of experience and contacts he and his colleagues have adds real value for clients as they can pick up the phone and talk to people in various parts of the world if issues arise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJ6HW3AQERGAZD74DO5BOA5UWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306388},"content":"It’s a niche area and one that was underdeveloped in Asia until recent years. “I saw a gap in the market, and we’ve become the biggest pure play player in this area in Asia,” he says. “When I was looking for a name for my business, I asked my nephew, who is a lecturer in Irish, if he could come up with a Gaelic name. He came up with Solas, pointing out that Solas doesn’t just mean light, it can also mean ‘guiding beacon’.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6V6PABMMV5EAXFIWGR7FO7ZCNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306390},"content":"O’Regan, his wife and their 12-year-old daughter live in a condo in Singapore. Having also lived in Hong Kong, he says where he lives now better suits his circumstances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNGHPSSXRVDOBKGABUAT62LHT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306391},"content":"“Hong Kong is great when you are single, but Singapore is better when you are married with children. The infrastructure is a lot better than Kong Hong. The condos have pools and tennis courts. It’s more relaxed pace and families do better here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVUAP3UKG5BVNCDYBL7QSG2SSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306392},"content":"“There are more schools, and it is very safe. My daughter has been getting the bus to school on her own since the age of eight, which is normal here, as nobody will bother you.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFDEHYEM3FDW5F4H23PYD5D3DU","additional_properties":{"_id":"UTERCCZKQRGLJOLZSHZSZ5QCIA"},"content":"Imagine if the population of Dublin quadrupled but housing was affordable. Welcome to Singapore","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CXBRJ4QKY5CZFMIDS7LMELXEGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306393},"content":"The rule of law in Singapore is very strong, with a “no-tolerance” approach to crime and bad behaviour, he adds. “You’ll get a year in jail if you are involved in a drunken brawl, so people don’t step out of line like that. And If you steal someone’s credit card and use it, you’ll get two years in prison. It’s very safe, therefore, especially for families.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"U325IYJHMJCJ7NY3J3A33VPRQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306394},"content":"There is a strong Irish community in Singapore, estimated to be 6,000 strong. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated enthusiastically and O’Regan is an active member of the Irish Chamber of Commerce there. He also works with Irish State agencies on both the inward and outbound sides, as he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2RC4HU6EFEZZKYF7KBVQ52MAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306395},"content":"“If Enterprise Ireland is bringing firms out of Ireland to try to crack the market in this part of the world, into Asia, I will help with advice and contacts whenever I can. Equally if there are Asian firms looking to invest into Ireland, I also help the IDA in a similar way.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULDFOZCTDVFJZAUYVP5MRZFRDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306396},"content":"Singapore is a cultural melting pot. Street signs in Mandarin, Malay, Indian and English provide a constant reminder. The local food scene is similarly eclectic. While O’Regan enjoys the cuisine, he admits he hankers for “a good hearty stew, like you’d get back home”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4J7TINWXBAGRAZ4NCQBBJ75D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306397},"content":"“I go home every July for a month. I get asked what food I miss, and will I ever come home. I think when you go home you think back to when you were younger and whatever made you happy, like your mother’s home cooking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVXNPODPDFDM5MAE2GAJU66M7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732178306398},"content":"“Ireland is also one of the places where people like to enjoy themselves and don’t take themselves too seriously. I miss the banter and the sarcasm you get in Ireland.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Frank Dillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Wild Geese: Martin O’Regan has a leading role in a niche business in the island nation"},"display_date":"2024-11-24T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"An Irish businessman in Singapore: ‘You’ll get a year in jail if you are in a drunken brawl, so people don’t step out of line’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MST4E6DA25A25B7LBHHTPQEPF4","auth":{"1":"43f524fdff7b108d01193d7b8936911bc644b7ca37acc3df04a7723059f721a7"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MST4E6DA25A25B7LBHHTPQEPF4.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/24/an-irish-businessman-in-singapore-youll-get-a-year-in-jail-if-you-are-in-a-drunken-brawl-so-people-dont-step-out-of-line/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"YNTYTZZ7BRFRZP7SUEA76VF7UU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":236,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1b64998f-cae2-4d62-a07d-e44a6b3f8017/versions/1732203978/media/e033efa90b24a46a26564085122d90d6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/21/truck-driver-fired-for-clocking-off-for-night-leaving-concrete-load-to-go-hard-wins-2000-for-unfair-dismissal/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FT2WSQ266RGGTEULOA5NWZW6SA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703952},"content":"A truck driver fired for clocking off for the night and leaving a load of concrete to go hard in a lorry has won €2,000 for unfair dismissal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVGRWA56PNB4VCW3MO2FFMRGJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703953},"content":"Brian O’Neill secured an order for a reduced award against his former employer, Total Highway Maintenance Ltd, on foot of a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZY7AXNRTVHQFCKCDQTD3B5VJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703954},"content":"A Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator found the dismissal “procedurally lacking” – but concluded Mr O’Neill “knew or ought to have known” he could have been fired or reprimanded for his actions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUSNIQ7GJJBPLCXOIS5FL55WME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703955},"content":"The tribunal was told at a hearing in August this year that Mr O’Neill started work at the company’s depot in Kilkenny at 5.30am on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, picked up a flatbed truck and drove it to Dublin to work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWQWRPSL6FBWDCTSUME4JGNEKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703956},"content":"When he was about to head back to the depot, his line manager asked him to work some extra hours and bring a load of concrete to Tallaght, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXMF3QNSEFC6XEE7QU5C22KMOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703957},"content":"However, it turned out the customer only required a third of what had been loaded, it was noted. The complainant then drove the lorry, with the excess concrete still on board, back to the home depot in Kilkenny, arriving about 8.30pm, the tribunal recorded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKGLQ4KWNZBGFAU2CGQT46R5KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703958},"content":"Mr O’Neill, who represented himself before the tribunal, said that by the time he finished up with the customer in Tallaght it was “already too late” to get rid of the excess concrete as the dump sites he would normally use were closed by then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3FG6COG6JBQLJEFYDYZZQJ6UY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703959},"content":"He said he was “exhausted” after 15 hours at work and that he meant to clean out the lorry the following day. The complainant said he knew the machine would be in such a state that it would be “unusable” the next day and accepted that he had been instructed to clean it out before finishing up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G72GHR4SZVFEZEEEDVUFI5M7G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703960},"content":"“It seems that the concrete set overnight and rendered the truck unusable for up to two days, as up to two other members of staff had to Kango hammer the set concrete out of the back of the truck,” adjudicator Penelope McGrath noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNVA2UZEU5HPNDVCRXTO7KAJPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703961},"content":"A text exchange on a work WhatsApp group was exhibited by the respondent’s solicitor, Harry Carpendale.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GLVBMPNPNVG2XEGQAN4LXIR6IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703962},"content":"The company’s managing director, Nigel Crosbie, wrote: “Thats some state to leave a lorry back in the yard. It’s to be cleaned when you get home.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ODAUSMJMBBC7BKL6PTBLQA2TI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703963},"content":"Mr O’Neill replied: “No bother, I will clean it when I get back this evening.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y27MSUMMAREK5G7EGNK5Z76I6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703964},"content":"However, when Mr O’Neill returned to work on the evening of Friday, September 29th, he was informed by an unnamed manager, described as Mr L, that his job was being terminated, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKEDF4ECJ5ARDBJINBCWR24NVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703965},"content":"Mr Crosbie’s view was that contents of the lorry “should at the very least have been tipped out” – which Mr O’Neill stated he “did not think to do”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNPS3ZHD65DG5DULH4OOJJBUYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703966},"content":"It was submitted that Mr O’Neill had already been given two formal warnings by his employer in 2023 for “speeding and other road safety concerns”. Mr Crosbie said the concrete incident was “the final straw”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUYE7ASRDJDINBEBVYAKNBPULQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703967},"content":"The adjudicator, Ms McGrath, wrote that there was “no due process” in the termination of Mr O’Neill’s employment but that the complainant “knew he was bound to vex his employer”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5YPD6SUS5CSXGK4Z7WNHX5GAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703968},"content":"The loss of earnings in the case was only about four or five weeks’ wages, as Mr O’Neill was back at work by then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITIYJZLC55CAZIYOPQ7QM6YNLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703969},"content":"“The complainant knew or ought to have known that his actions could give rise to a sanction up to and including the dismissal that ensued. The unfairness of this dismissal is therefore minimised,” Ms McGrath wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERO34MUMABEGPIBREKK2IRU2QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732203703970},"content":"She awarded €2,000 in compensation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Brian O’Neill awarded reduced amount against Total Highway Maintenance with WRC finding he ‘ought to have known better’"},"display_date":"2024-11-21T15:41:10.891Z","headlines":{"basic":"Truck driver fired for clocking off for night leaving concrete load to go hard wins €2,000 for unfair 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon/\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a> chief executive Andy Jassy recently told employees that a new plan requiring them to be in the office five days a week did not amount to a “backdoor lay-off”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7H6YN7SEBCMNIZLO5AV3WX634","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700507},"content":"Yet his reported comments at a companywide meeting earlier this month did not rebut a previous suggestion from a senior manager that staff who fail to comply could look for work elsewhere.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5UE3TVFPNAEVGJBNHSFNEVCZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700508},"content":"As companies try to rein in costs and restrict workplace initiatives that do not help profits, workers are wary of falling victim to a fresh horror: the stealth sacking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4CKHCYA5ZBW3E7SASJEI3AFZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700509},"content":"Alongside a string of recent publicly announced mass lay-offs – by companies including Nissan, Boeing and Citigroup – there have been a series of employers quietly justifying smaller-scale dismissals because of seemingly minor violations of company policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FN5GWSTGCFE5LJWGWUNZOYHFNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700510},"content":"Here the focus is not on the size and scope of redundancy programmes, how humanely managers handled them or whether support or severance pay was offered to affected staff but on the specific rationale behind the decisions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBXSHFSCFFHDFFKQSMWMYG6HIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700511},"content":"Facebook owner <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>, for example, sacked about two dozen staff for abusing meal credit vouchers, while <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ey/\" target=\"_blank\">EY</a> terminated a group of employees for watching multiple training videos at once, the Financial Times has reported.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TM4TB66GFVFXJJ4QH3GGOFIWBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700512},"content":"Infractions that workers have probably interpreted as minor misdemeanours in the past can now be sackable offences, and may prompt questions about whether cost savings are being disguised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SLLSK45KT5CSXG5K2IC2FVQUYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700513},"content":"“As with most stories, there are two sides,” says Leo Martin, managing director of GoodCorporation, a business ethics consultancy that helps organisations design, build and improve their ethics and compliance programmes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BE3B2P6GAZFZBEQRHCY4UF2CNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731923633956},"content":"“From the employee perspective, they may have been given unrealistic deadlines, excessive work pressures or have received unclear guidance as to what is expected, while the employer will feel that abusing a perk or taking shortcuts undermines their systems, [and that] cheating in an exam or lying about training ... is a fundamental breach of trust.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HBHT6K2B5GA5B7GYIEH66YXTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700514},"content":"Part of the motivation to take a tough line on employees could be to make an example of anyone deemed to be a rule-breaker. This level of corporate discipline has been more common among heavily regulated industries, such as banking and financial services, that have huge compliance functions and the risk of hefty penalties for any conduct breaches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RG3FTSBJGRAXBPHCNYPYMMEQP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700515},"content":"Amanda Rajkumar, who has held senior HR leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase and BNP Paribas, says: “Banks and financial services have always come down hard ... given the robust regulatory environment and strong requirement to demonstrate exemplary, ethical behaviour related to the fiduciary nature of the industry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAEMLLS7TVCORP6SDSXRC7FL2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700516},"content":"Another incentive for a tough stance is that small infractions, such as taking advantage of company perks or bending minor rules, can foreshadow more serious ethical lapses. This has fuelled a “zero-tolerance” approach to policy enforcement in some sectors, as companies seek to preserve what they see as a culture of integrity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TDXLZZUU5BXXBMFTVTIS5GQ7A","additional_properties":{"_id":"N5XOFGPFJ5G2LDSL6Y4KL3WBZ4"},"content":"Should you admit you were fired from a job?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OG6X5OZ4QREOLNFXA7FCWM37FM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731923633960},"content":"One example from the financial crisis was when Fidelity Investments fired employees for being part of a Fantasy Football league that went against the company’s gambling rule. Early this year, several employees at US retailer Target were sacked after they used their status as staff to buy highly coveted Stanley cups ahead of customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUCIBO2J4RFBHFBOGYXRR2CNW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700518},"content":"“The spotlight should be on the employees’ reason or motivation for breaking the rules,” says Rajkumar. “A deliberate misuse of company resources usually indicates low engagement or a specific gripe against the firm.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7SITIIACND7LJY6L6WWWEIYKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700519},"content":"A recent trend of staff turning to online platforms to vent their frustrations about perceived mistreatment by employers or indiscriminate lay-offs has also pushed some companies to recalibrate their approach. Websites such as LinkedIn and anonymous review site Glassdoor give workers an outlet for grievances about their bosses, which can then spread quickly and damage the reputation of employers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYKYOD3SNFEQZC23WLHUL6MUCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700520},"content":"In one example that went viral this year, Brittany Pietsch, an employee at internet company Cloudflare, recorded her nine-minute virtual meeting with HR representatives in which she was fired, and posted it to TikTok, spawning a new “Quit-Tok” trend. In the video, Pietsch confronted her seniors about the reasons for her termination, but they had “no specific” answers or “clarity”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEYFPS3YYBH4HEHGAQ743FEHIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700521},"content":"Aware employee complaints about terminations are no longer confined to private HR files, some companies are aiming to reduce backlash and curb reputational risk by emphasising policy-driven grounds for firing. Recruiters, HR heads and workplace experts say whether an employer has made a clear case for dismissal is becoming as important as the manner in which a termination is conducted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH463OR2DZB4NDLCNFNAWWSUE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"NCJFJ6CKSNDWZDJDPRUT26M2IE"},"content":"Taking voluntary redundancy or getting laid off? You need to know about your tax, welfare and pension options","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"NP5CJNOC6FHWBMQQ5B34QAK23E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700523},"content":"“Companies have had to be more mindful when they are firing staff because people are more vocal. We are in an era where snap decisions can have big blowbacks,” says Habiba Khatoon, a director at headhunter Robert Walters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3DJFHNLRVAAPC3FRK3K2QRYGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700524},"content":"She adds that in her experience managers are so wary of dismissing workers out of turn that they are delaying action until a record has been built of repeated performance issues or behaviour that violates company policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMSPTCALTNAC5C7355CAK7REQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700526},"content":"Khatoon says more companies are talking about so-called “ethical firing”. This refers to a transparent, rule-based approach to dismissals, where managers can point to concrete breaches in policy rather than subjective issues, such as workers being a “poor fit”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJYDDVSZZVFV7JCCG25DDAZMUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700527},"content":"Targeting terminations in this way has some advantages for employers. Basing decisions on documented infractions can help reduce staff numbers – and cut costs – without the optics of a struggling business that come with mass lay-offs. And unlike big rounds of job cuts, which often require severance packages, firings for conduct issues are typically exempt from such obligations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HAI7NY74NB5DJTZDUGAKY7CMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700528},"content":"Lucas Shaw, an expert in hiring and retention strategies, says he has been part of a conversation in which senior staff at a company – not one of his clients – instructed their IT team to look for misconduct on an individual’s record to avoid paying a costly redundancy settlement. “It’s incredibly underhand.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJGLKE74RZAVPHPYCRELUIXHFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700529},"content":"Employment experts say such practices underscore the need for staff to closely read and understand company policies and codes of conduct, which are at times being followed more rigidly than in the past.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OK5CTLCNOZAFJD3P5QCMOFD7TQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700530},"content":"The advice for employers is to provide stronger and simpler guidelines about what is acceptable and what is not. Rules and disciplinary processes must be unambiguous and fairly applied no matter how senior an employee is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26CJQHUGH5GSDMLGTAA6IFNGVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700531},"content":"“Companies need to ensure they carry out fair and thorough investigations regarding any allegation of misconduct,” says GoodCorporation’s Martin. “Not only does this ensure a proper process is followed, it can also protect an organisation from accusations that what they are doing may have an ulterior motive.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4SKWVOPSVHCNA62WUIUYRETRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731916700532},"content":"In an era when workers prioritise transparency, selective enforcement of codes of conduct can erode trust as employees might see it as an excuse to target some staff. This, in the long run, may “be more damaging to the company than the actual employee misconduct”, warns Martin. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Anjli Raval"}]},"description":{"basic":"Hard line on conduct could prevent bigger lapses but may prompt claims of disguised cost savings"},"display_date":"2024-11-21T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Stealth sackings: why do employers fire staff for minor misdemeanours?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PB6HP4VNTBAIXPC7VSCOCURLQM","auth":{"1":"56f08ef258e07b801b1acbe7a4536b575d835c7b5fcfa3ee1c187673e98b84b9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PB6HP4VNTBAIXPC7VSCOCURLQM.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/21/stealth-sackings-why-do-employers-fire-staff-for-minor-misdemeanours/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"WIN67EDDOBA3ZF2PHQK5MZTSQI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":684,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/ac92592f-38dd-43ac-83fd-5560b2258e99/versions/1732036337/media/d0ebeaef5e2e66d9d4d9266e1952ba71_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/20/the-work-perks-that-really-matter/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VK3NS2JMZFE7POPRT2HXWGVBG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658208},"content":"From performance bonuses to babysitting, Deliveroo vouchers to doggy day care, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/\" target=\"_blank\">employee </a>benefits packages have got a whole lot more interesting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBV3TRBZO5B7VLP3B54KVQSDFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658209},"content":"Big employers use headline-grabbing <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/money-matters/\" target=\"_blank\">benefits </a>to position themselves as desirable and to attract top talent. From carpooling to counselling, grocery delivery to co-working hub vouchers, some companies are even offering free babysitting to make sure knackered staff get out on date night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62RAMYQKBNAIDACXKDG4RDK3ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658210},"content":"But which perks are worth the most, and how do you make sure you are getting everything available?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIDZCAAFNZHOZEUQSYQ4LRZJF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658211},"content":"Benefit of age","type":"header"},{"_id":"RRC2Y6QEQJGDFNRP4II575HBX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658212},"content":"In addition to salary, good benefits increase an employer’s chance of beating others to the best staff. Some benefits are arguably aimed at a specific demographic only, leaving other applicants cold. This may be a strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FB5VLT3UOBDDJGOY7ZNDTA64GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658213},"content":"Would you be persuaded by seemingly generous doggy day-care vouchers and Just Eat delivery? These benefits signal that new hires can expect to be time-poor, unable to commit to mealtimes at home, or to responsibilities outside of work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AX47QJP4SNETPMMTY4MIJWPUEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658214},"content":"They are likely to be aimed at attracting those for whom the office can be dominant in their lives — they won’t require being away from it much.","type":"text"},{"_id":"57UWOIB6FNCNVGEMDZO4EZCY6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658215},"content":"If that’s where you are at, then these perks can pay off in the short term. A dog sitter in Dublin city for example is about €25 a day, or about €4,500 a year for someone in the office four days a week. Those travelling for business can expect to pay €35 for overnight dog sitting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYUYKDZ55FFKXIBUB5JJZFVKHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658216},"content":"If you’re offered food delivery credits as a perk, know that how you use them may be restricted. In October, staff at Meta in the US were fired for eating the meal at home instead of the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRG3PQBFVZEJ5EZM5XU7LIKHRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658217},"content":"Meta, like many big tech companies, offers free food to employees based out of its Silicon Valley headquarters. Staff in smaller offices without a canteen are offered Uber Eats or Grubhub credits, for example, for food to be delivered to the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTAZ5EHWNJGUNDVHRSMC5PXZZE","additional_properties":{"_id":"XUBEO63TBRCU3B4D5M6WZVQOBE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-55276","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NLU7K6XL3FDEXOCUE72UG6VUUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658218},"content":"They are given daily allowances of $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $25 for dinner. Employees who were getting the meals sent home when they were required to only eat the food in the office were fired. Some perks leave a bad taste.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFXVTJVPBNGTXIXBII2L3MKNSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658219},"content":"Less than one per cent of employers offer anything by way of childcare vouchers, says Trayc Keevans of Morgan McKinley survey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPFVQTFZMBCRVMH7R3XQGTFIYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658220},"content":"It’s your pension, stupid","type":"header"},{"_id":"JLMUWSHYABFYJJUDMUHUTPDW6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658221},"content":"What’s the benefit the employees in Ireland most care about? No, it’s not doggy day care that’s really keeping us awake at night, but rather how to pay for our lives once we retire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4FKZYLZGNAI5KSPUAEDO2GL44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658222},"content":"Pension tops the list of the most desired benefits, according to a survey of 3,400 professionals and 650 employers globally as part of a 2024 report by recruiter Morgan McKinley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNQDBZ4TFJGXPJWXQCKEECTN7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658223},"content":"“We are seeing employees younger than ever before actually looking at pension,” says Trayc Keevans, Morgan McKinley Ireland’s global foreign direct investment director.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMKBWNRJNRDO7DH34AZDNRU2MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658224},"content":"“It wasn’t as important before, but in the most recent survey, right across the board, pension was an important benefit,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TYXNTVL6BDGHHPQCTPIYR4IUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658225},"content":"By 2046, Irish men can expect to live to 85 and women to 89. So if you retire at the current State pension age of 66, you’ll have about 20 years of living after your last pay cheque.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VAJNP35AVEN5GFT65H2TFJYJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"KDI4EMLJCNATZFQD5JOGSZBHAA"},"content":"Has Fingal County Council found a solution to Ireland’s housing crisis?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"72W3SPPHTFGONFFIFJUSKW5CBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658226},"content":"If you start to save for retirement at age 30, on a salary of €40,000, you will need to set aside a minimum of 18 per cent of gross salary every year until age 66 to get an income of €2,000 a month in today’s money – and that’s including the State pension, according to Pensions Authority calculations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQLF4WA2URDVLGX2AOAVFU6DSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658227},"content":"With parenthood and home ownership happening later than ever, the cost of supporting children and paying a mortgage is now stretching past retirement age. Housing costs mean more people will be renting in retirement too. This is bringing employer pension contributions into sharp focus for employees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNOQTMA33BDM7FJXIAGKREWBTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658228},"content":"Don’t just ask a prospective employer if there’s a pension, ask about the terms, says Keevan. Some are only finding out when it comes to contract signing that the terms are less generous than their current employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"57V5HJTHJNA33KG2PESXPHZX4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658229},"content":"Know the contribution from your current employer at least get that matched, says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7MWW73QXNA3XOWXO7KFZTZ4IE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658230},"content":"Smaller companies will usually pay pension contributions of between 3 and 6 per cent, matching your contribution, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRGSJBPSEFHU5KCWPESJTCEHEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658231},"content":"“Standard in a midsize to multinational company would be from 5 per cent matching up to manager level,” says Keevans. “Above that, a company might make contributions of anything up to 10 or 12 per cent. The larger multinationals will go even higher,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQH5IMIAKJCHTINNC466LRYHB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658232},"content":"“The best pension I have seen was a 19 per cent employer contribution, with the employee being asked to make a contribution of 4 per cent, bringing it up to 23 per cent.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSCPVZU3UZCT7NFR7CADP74ALM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658233},"content":"Ask if pension entitlements increase as you climb the ranks. Employer pension contributions nudge up when you reach a certain age in some companies. Knowing this can help inform your job hunting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUEZLQEDBZFEDJINYPBRBUPI3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658234},"content":"Healthy outlook","type":"header"},{"_id":"KP365PCIMNEMNIKB55EG4DL5QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658235},"content":"Paid private health insurance is the second most valued employee benefit, according to the Morgan McKinley research.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4LMMXDV2FCMLFNV3SFSBKG6J4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658236},"content":"A separate survey of 1,000 adults by Dooley Insurance Group puts health insurance top of the heap with 56 per cent of employees prioritising it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3PW2XF4SNAMDEGIAKDRDPF3EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658237},"content":"More than three in 10 of us didn’t go to a healthcare appointment because we could not afford it, according to an Irish Cancer Society survey last month [November]. One in four, meanwhile, felt we must prioritise other costs over healthcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7WQQEC6OFFV5PUD27JTKHG6Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658238},"content":"With the average adult paying €1,685 a year for health insurance, according to the Health Insurance Authority figures, this is a valuable perk for your health and your pocket.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56DQYGNRWNCYJCBYCDNPDINHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658239},"content":"“We find at manager level and above, the policy covers the spouse and dependents as well,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGM3P2VG5JFO7JG7P6HCQ6LYDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658240},"content":"Families with two adults and two children can pay up to €5,000 a year for insurance cover. You’ll need to earn about €10,000 to pay for that out of after-tax income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTIZWEV7MFGE7DFSNA23X6KKZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658241},"content":"The cost isn’t the only benefit with paid health insurance, but rather access to basic treatment in a reasonable time frame. Almost two-fifths of people put off a medical appointment due to pressures in the system, according to the Irish Cancer Society survey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBZ56I4A3VH4FKQHNYXXV5SLAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658242},"content":"Work from home","type":"header"},{"_id":"FYWDFOZG4VFSPBEKB47GSUOSAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658243},"content":"Working from home takes the third spot as the most valued employee benefit, says Morgan McKinley survey. Remote working was also highly rated by participants in the Dooley Insurances survey, with 35 per cent placing significant value on it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAZMAFDEWZFGZJINXYPGU2KYH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658244},"content":"Remote working saves on transport and clothing costs. Coupled with flexible working, it may even enable some households to save on before and after-school care. This can mean significant savings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCUNLYWP6BH33EMQHP3GDGRSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658245},"content":"Only about a fifth of those eligible are claiming the remote work tax credit, according to Revenue figures. The credit for a year averages about €40 to €60, so there’s no boon here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTCOIKQWNZCVXPARGMPKGIBFNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658246},"content":"The real pay-off is work-life balance, and job candidates are negotiating hard on this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVTYRB6YRRHPJJN5ZWBJ2YKE5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658247},"content":"“If they take a holiday in Spain every year, they might ask to tag on another few weeks and work from there, if that’s permissible,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W53245STJRHC3N5Z2DD266M5PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658248},"content":"“They are asking for a ‘work from anywhere’ policy in their contract that would allow them to do that. That’s quite attractive and we’ve seen a lot of people negotiate that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEPMSQHEVFE7LNRV3AU6NNR4KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658249},"content":"Companies are still grappling with how many weeks an employee can work out of the country, before triggering tax liabilities there, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7JY4F4LY5FFFDO5JUMB4GR7EI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658250},"content":"“Companies are tending to be quite conservative in guesstimating what that will be, the most we have seen is six weeks, but we see a lot of reluctance to it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RU7RVXWE5BR3BVYP4J7TLOF34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658251},"content":"Flexibility around working patterns remains a prominent request.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W52KXCE3XRGRDLPDCCF56UUINU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658252},"content":"“Somebody might be joining a company where the standard is three days a week in the office, but it’s moving to four days. They might negotiate to move it back to three, but that can be difficult in the current climate,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE25KZCDHVFU7DA6C3FFJNVYMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658253},"content":"New hires could negotiate an initial period of office time to get to build relationships and understand the culture, with that being reviewed, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWVTFDFVONGUVO3BHQOOP2GXAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658254},"content":"Bonus","type":"header"},{"_id":"U6IYO5MNHBDX3ALR3Q2MAGQHAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658255},"content":"Who doesn’t love a bonus? If this is part of the package, it’s important to understand what’s on offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH4NIYIMQJHMPB34AYZQPUF3T4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658256},"content":"“Is it tied to your personal contribution and meeting personal performance metrics such as sales quotas, project milestones, performance reviews or KPIs? [key performance indicators]” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LF3VQCYUVVA6XMC65X37O4ALP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658257},"content":"“We see some employers and if the company isn’t performing, there’s no bonus for anyone and if it is performing, then the individual performance piece is cleared for payment,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OOJD5S5MBC2XNYTWKBF6WH7RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658258},"content":"“The better you perform, the better chance you have of a bonus, but again, it tends to be predicated on the company performing first.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTIRX3BQ4ZEQFJQ5AQJTJDRSXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658259},"content":"Exceptions to retain top talent can be made, rewarding them even when the company isn’t performing, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZO2OYOF7NGHDLOQKFWW3U3PXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658260},"content":"If a new employer needs you to join pronto, but that means missing out on the bonus at your old job, then negotiate on this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKGES2VGFNDPJB632NYAXLDF2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658261},"content":"“They may pay you a sign-on bonus to offset what you are losing,” says Keevans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXQTBIGMCRHXJIOWQMVKZLE224","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658262},"content":"Share the love","type":"header"},{"_id":"EGZ5XPUKKJHTHJN3SOLWBTDPEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658263},"content":"Shares can be great, but only if you know what to do with them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TVZ65EAQVCVJMZXYBX7S27HZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658264},"content":"“In most cases, it’s a share purchase scheme that is offered. This is where you can buy shares in the company through salary sacrifice or bonus, usually at a discounted rate,” says David Looney or Alpha Wealth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2EX3UI335E6RCIAXFWBBOWO4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658265},"content":"Typically if these shares are held for three years, you don’t have to pay tax on the benefit, so the only tax due will be capital gains on any increase in their value if sold.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37GDJIRCYNGLXGT45UEBMSVSKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658266},"content":"Sometimes senior staff are offered stock options or restricted share units. Stock options are where you are allowed to buy a specific amount of shares at a fixed price in the future. If the share price is more than that price at the time you buy, happy days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5AUUF4XNXNE7RPZGZAPWWC6V6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658267},"content":"Options usually have an expiration date, so a perk like this requires ongoing review to assess if it makes sense to buy at a particular time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RN7IMAZRVBFBFJVUQSANYP6IIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658268},"content":"Share prices can go up and down of course, and things can change quickly. You may benefit from independent financial advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5B4PGM6JBAQLK63CCQK4NP37M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658269},"content":"“We meet clients with little in their pensions, large mortgages and car loans, little in other savings and investments, and then have hundreds of thousands worth of Google stock that they are too afraid to sell,” says David Looney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENH4Q2QNABDLNJC2IEXY26OHLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658270},"content":"“You can benefit from tax-free gains of €1,270 a year if selling, previous capital losses can be offset against gains too, but I would encourage anyone with a large amount of shares, six figures, to ignore this and put risk management above tax efficiency,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAE2UEZVGFFPRKZCV22IS7OT5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732031658271},"content":"Selling company stock and investing the proceeds in a more diversified way means all your eggs aren’t in your employer’s basket.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Joanne Hunt"}},"name":"Joanne Hunt"}]},"description":{"basic":"Everyone loves freebies at the office, but not all perks are created equal"},"display_date":"2024-11-20T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pulling in top talent: Doggy day care, free lunches, pensions - not all perks are created equal","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GRGHXMNI5RQWYT3TMP3Z3SQCJY","auth":{"1":"99eb28469528e7a2abf37617b2adfab19615f1e8b775f860d9e4a00c37a6702a"},"focal_point":{"x":488,"y":295},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GRGHXMNI5RQWYT3TMP3Z3SQCJY.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/20/the-work-perks-that-really-matter/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"7PVFZQVPWNAGFE4B464DXVGC74","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":188,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/f5d607cb-7255-4668-9eab-816a5d0654c5/versions/1732050343/media/d7b47fd903514b13b8e19bdeab49356b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/20/aer-lingus-to-reimburse-pay-docked-from-pilots-during-summer-work-to-rule/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556726},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aer-lingus/\" target=\"_blank\">Aer Lingus </a>will reimburse pay deducted from some pilots sanctioned during last summer’s industrial action, it has emerged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIIHFAHIVREPNFV37KWOCZYU4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556727},"content":"The airline withheld pay from some pilots for their “failure to join” – a sanction used by airlines when a pilot does not show up to operate a flight – as they were complying with their union’s work-to-rule during the pay dispute.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JFCJ5IBSBDV7EZDI3OV7TBKR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556728},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ialpa/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Airline Pilots’ Association </a>(Ialpa) trade union told members this week that Aer Lingus had agreed to rescind the sanction and to reimburse those whose pay it deducted as a result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUNW4PMRNRFKFPUOIJ6JYIFBBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556729},"content":"A letter from Aer Lingus chief operations officer Adrian Dunne to the union confirms the carrier will remove the failure to join sanction and “reimburse the associated salary deductions”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJL4VHHRRZCJHG5LTUFR2FYY7I","additional_properties":{"_id":"56VBPOZZGVBWPEEJMOH63BCJPY"},"content":"Has Fingal County Council found a solution to Ireland’s housing crisis?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LY42CWRNVZH4JBITK3QCIV7FPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732050581632},"content":"Ialpa’s notice to members welcomed the gesture as “positive”, saying it would allow both sides to rebuild their relationship following the dispute. Mr Dunne’s letter acknowledges that the airline wants to show its commitment to a “reset of the relationship” between management and pilots.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUSNZPZJXRF7ZDW77ZLFGRINPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556732},"content":"A failure to join sanction is regarded as serious in the air travel industry as it means that a pilot did not turn up for a scheduled flight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JPPWLV5CYJFB7EH5MSAS4VK5WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"22OGGFLOFNGPHOL4OAZQNEXV7I"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-64948","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"LZSJHBD7TRBA7OU6ITSR2CBMOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732050581635},"content":"Payslips seen by The Irish Times in the wake of the dispute showed deductions marked “Industrial Action”. The amounts involved were up to €1,500, union sources said at the time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34KJW7CB25DC3F2GJY7FZKPC7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556734},"content":"Ialpa’s industrial action consisted mostly of a work-to-rule, which involved pilots showing up for rostered duties but refusing changes to those rosters and not working out of hours or overtime. The dispute ended in July when pilots voted overwhelmingly to accept a 17.75 per cent pay rise brokered by the Labour Court following several meetings between the sides.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRCADA4AFNGHTJMHAVCLDERVKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556736},"content":"Union officials raised concerns about the sanction and pay deductions when they debated whether to recommend that settlement to members, prompting the company to indicate that it would deal with the issue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4P7QVBFNFGOFJQ4DGGKPKGZW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556737},"content":"The pilots’ vote on July 18th ended a pay dispute that dates back almost two years to a claim lodged by Ialpa in late 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGZ4EA2HBFBXLCSW3H7GJ6UY7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556738},"content":"Aer Lingus this month confirmed that the industrial action cost €55 million with an unquantifiable impact on forward bookings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJZDHPDRCRA4BDY4GF4P7UPNOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556739},"content":"The industrial action ran for two weeks from Wednesday, June 26th, and included an eight-hour strike on Saturday, June 29th. The work-to-rule denied Aer Lingus the flexibility needed to operate a full schedule at its busiest time of year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFZ3MDNBH5BVJFKUVHKFCQDQV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556741},"content":"In response, the carrier cancelled 610 flights, 573 of them several days in advance of schedule, to preserve as many services as possible, hitting more than 90,000 passengers in all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K42SIHNWENATFPQYIRY3RZXP5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732047556742},"content":"Aer Lingus is one of several airlines due in the High Court next month to challenge passenger limits imposed by planners on Dublin Airport, where it is one of the biggest airlines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Barry O'Halloran"}},"name":"Barry O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Union and airline say they are working to rebuild relations following protracted dispute that hit flight plans of more than 90,000 passengers"},"display_date":"2024-11-20T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Aer Lingus to reimburse pay docked from pilots during summer work to rule","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QKSVDMZK5LUDPKBGQGZLZBENVE","auth":{"1":"59eeb0d3826a8db789c682dcc860215b332534865586505460e0169e6ae766e0"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QKSVDMZK5LUDPKBGQGZLZBENVE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Travel"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/20/aer-lingus-to-reimburse-pay-docked-from-pilots-during-summer-work-to-rule/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"E2CQD3CF2VEA7GBMRMFYMTGDAU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":200,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d4205303-e599-4adc-bebb-1ad4a42cdc67/versions/1732044851/media/cb2bb4cf9f7098eece6b4096fabadd9b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/19/sinn-feins-proposed-prsi-rebate-for-employers-unacceptable-misuse-of-workers-money-union-says/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YUV36VQ4BZADHKN3EGVPIDEL2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744102},"content":"A commitment by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> in its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">General Election</a> manifesto to provide PRSI rebates worth more than €640m to businesses “hardest hit” by national minimum wage increases has been criticised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) as “an unacceptable misuse of the money of workers”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUZJ6OUIFFFHVDRTJYY4SWFVMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744103},"content":"At its manifesto launch on Tuesday the party committed to a range of measures intended to appeal to workers and trade unions including a commitment to legislate for increased collective bargaining, the right to retire at 65 on the State pension and an update to the Unfairs Dismissals Act which it said would include an “effective deterrent” to employers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXVNDWS2NRCALEWQOUCCT4QX4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744104},"content":"The party also followed Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in committing to a PRSI rebate that Ictu claims would take money out of the fund intended to address greatly increasing future State pension costs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULWNYKTSHFFH5PIAR5BFYKTEHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744105},"content":"PRSI contributions are being increased over a period of five years so as to address the cost of maintaining the State pension age at 66 after plans to gradually move it to 68 were shelved by the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZC62NBWRFB4PHEZ27C7SIXFVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744106},"content":"The first increase came into effect on October 1st when employee contributions were increased by 0.1 per cent to 4.1 per cent. Over the next four years they are due to increase in stages to 4.7 per cent, ultimately raising an additional €1.6 billion annually for the Social Insurance Fund. Employer contributions, which are higher, are also increasing by the same percentages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJECW7GNPRGE7P3IWDMFD56VA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744107},"content":"The parties’ rebate proposal will, however, reduce the impact of the increase, something Ictu has criticised. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"63G77TU4AJGQLO4MPJ7BJDNVPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744108},"content":"“The three big parties are each committed to using workers’ money, their deferred wages, to subsidise the wage bill of low-pay employers through promises of a cut to employer’s PRSI or give a rebate of contributions already paid,” said Ictu’s spokeswoman on social policy, Laura Bambrick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7G35QCP2ZFG7XPR4KHCGFKAQ6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744109},"content":"“Employers in Ireland already pay some of the lowest social insurance contributions in the EU towards their employees’ future State pension and other contributory social welfare benefits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KSLB4SHCZCUJJU2P5QJW4LIJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744110},"content":"“Only last month, workers had their PRSI contribution raised to build up the reserves in the Social Insurance Fund to defuse a future pension time bomb. Now, we see that at the same time the average worker will have an extra €353.08 a year in PRSI deducted from their wages by the end of the next term of Government, employers will get their contribution cut or paid back to them in the form of a rebate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJUWVUJOABF45BKNDO6QXX4AJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744111},"content":"“This is an unacceptable misuse of the money of workers. The Social Insurance Fund is nobody’s election war chest,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XHCFR4YAVGQNM3IWGLJM4ITHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732042744112},"content":"Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment, Louise O’Reilly, has said Fine Gael’s decision not to increase the number of statutory sick pay-days for workers from five to seven as a “mean spirited” move that “will disproportionately impact workers on a low income”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Ictu criticses proposals by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin to provide PRSI rebates worth more than €640m to businesses"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T19:28:46.281Z","headlines":{"basic":"Sinn Féin’s proposed PRSI rebate for employers ‘unacceptable misuse of workers’ money’, union says","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HJHKF7SDXZTIILW4BB3KBKXHO4","auth":{"1":"64c7916f612d5c616e2cbfa7830b36dc8cfbbbaba05c8e94a921498b199d1844"},"focal_point":{"x":469,"y":193},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HJHKF7SDXZTIILW4BB3KBKXHO4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/19/sinn-feins-proposed-prsi-rebate-for-employers-unacceptable-misuse-of-workers-money-union-says/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"OMAVOBZ4FRHGRB72XNJC5CJED4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":662,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/d3c7d820-54c2-403a-8450-6a84cfe1ce31/versions/1731598984/media/9cb95a84ac6ecf2a3b493ad65b76ef8a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/19/career-breaks-planning-ahead-can-make-all-the-difference/","content_elements":[{"_id":"L3U43FHRXRHTXFETKNCDWLN6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056251},"content":"A career break can be a power move. A pause from work can help you rekindle your passion for the job, uncover a new career path or simply get on top of things at home. For those who are burned out, it can be sanity-saving.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KVBG6B23BGENFHRE3PFL23A54","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056252},"content":"Forgoing salary is expensive clearly but financial planning will relieve anxiety, enabling you to make the most of your time off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGEZEJKZ3BD67JHURLWAHCI3TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056253},"content":"You’ll do plenty of soul-searching before walking away from a salary, says career breaker “Marie”. With 20-plus years’ experience working with multinationals in the tech sector, she resigned from a director-level role earlier this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3JN2BTD6FCHVLB2LAJLNFFZRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056254},"content":"Taking the time to fully understand why she needed the break bolstered her belief that resigning was the right choice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3J55JSA7VNHXRPMROEXWRLB3WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056255},"content":"“I decided to take a career break because of burnout and because I was not long-term invested in the industry,” says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHBQG5M7JNAP5D7KA2XP27SXBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056256},"content":"“Understanding and really feeling the ‘why’ before you decide to hand in your notice is crucial, and will give you confidence to do it,” she says. “There will be a lot of people out there who will think you are crazy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSYN3JMKWNH2HHWO4YDONBJH3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056257},"content":"Nearly 62 per cent of employees have taken a career break at some point in their professional career, according to a 2022 LinkedIn survey of 23,000 workers and 7,000 hiring managers. More than a third would like to take one in future, according to the data.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KP7HYSHXZGGRGEIVRFEODNVXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056258},"content":"Instead of being a CV taboo, impacting future employability, a pause in work can show you are intentional about your career and not afraid to back yourself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONRYG5BRY5A2TCWJVUNKKE4S3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056259},"content":"“We see women in particular leaving corporate life either to take a career break or start something completely new,” says Ciara Garvan, founder of learning and recruitment company, WorkJuggle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7CHLPXV75FMLGQEETWVPOTUWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056260},"content":"“People are living longer, healthier lives. They can potentially have two or three careers in them and a sabbatical [or career break] can enable that,” says Garvan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7G5HGAVF5BP7GL5EV6Z6Q2QCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056261},"content":"If you haven’t fallen completely out of love with the job, but need a break, exploring leave options with your boss can be a less financially punitive off-ramp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7UN2TGZGNBKVPKJKHDITIB3OY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GGCWMEREUNFBZMO6BJHYSCZTUY"},"content":"‘Will I be able to get back in?’ Women still face stigma over career breaks","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UFF2AE766NAOJKWTX5OTEJ2KI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056262},"content":"“Absolutely, check your company’s HR policy first,” says Marie. “Maybe you only need a month off, or a limited period like three months rather than quitting outright. If you feel comfortable explaining why you need time off, definitely have the conversation with your manager,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDUBRBUMSVGCPOJRHPPKBAXN3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056263},"content":"The pandemic brought a big shift in people’s priorities. Recruiter Adecco has since identified sabbaticals as one of the top five workplace trends. Workers are prioritising employers, like the public sector and charities, that offer sabbaticals, according to the Chartered Management Institute UK data, published in August.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMZ4J5K5XVBYTPEDKS4GDET5VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056264},"content":"Parents can avail of unpaid parental leave, taking up to 26 weeks off before their child’s 12th birthday, or 16th birthday where the child has a disability. Carer’s leave to look after a family member, friend or colleague is also an option. It’s unpaid, but your job will be kept open until your return. With enough PRSI contributions, you may be entitled to Carer’s Benefit during the time away from the job.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IU6EWGBYDJHA5MWHTD35HLFST4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056265},"content":"Squirrel funds","type":"header"},{"_id":"Y62U7EU5E5BC3BJXFSIVZK64II","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056266},"content":"Working out a financial plan can make you more confident about taking a career break, says financial planning consultant Daniel Hardiman, of Hardiman Life & Pensions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAYSMKDMR5EIDOVWDNAS5Q67OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056267},"content":"“If you break down the numbers with a financial planner, it will reduce the stress and anxiety of such an important life decision and enable you to enjoy your career break so much more,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFPSAKIWA5HMPPA6QVNWVX5434","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056268},"content":"He describes one client, earning €40,000 before tax, taking a career break for family reasons. “She was bringing in €2,600 a month after tax, but her childcare costs of €1,600 were eliminated. After this saving, the loss of income was only €1,000 a month and she had built up €12,000 in savings to cover that,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QODQ224O4RDIZP6INFISWL5C7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056269},"content":"Saving a portion of your salary every month before taking the career break means you can “pay” yourself while you are off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTZMKAXLCVG5XGOV7CRI6VFHD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056270},"content":"“Once I decided that the work situation was not for me, I saved as much as possible from my salary,” says Marie. “I set a target of how much I would need to support myself for at least nine months, calculating my average monthly outgoings, multiplied by nine.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESHVPDKK65DAJIV3OKXVX5SM7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056271},"content":"With a regular salary coming in, your spending can get flabby. “When you are working in a high-pressure job, expenses can easily trend upwards,” says Garvan. “Takeaways, meal delivery services and bottles of wine can all be necessary to make it through the week.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBUQIKDGCZCC7LTNCNADMNICBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056272},"content":"She took time out of work over 10 years ago. Being off work can means you spend less, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHDUHU3KI5A7RIYEQJNEY7SN3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056273},"content":"“By not working, you will claim some of your time back. You may not be so stressed that a bottle of wine on a Friday is a necessity. You’ll have more time to plan your meals and cook at home. Your [financial] ‘burn’ rate when working can be very different from when you are at home,” says Garvan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HN5X5FDV5A4LFVGM6FN4HSSEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056274},"content":"Use your banking app to calculate your monthly spending on “needs” and “wants”. Food, mortgage, rent and utilities are clearly non-negotiable, but scaling back on “wants” can save a surprising amount.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZEYHMPXKHREXRAQWXI3XVA7QMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056275},"content":"“Once I decided to leave, I reduced my outgoings and I have stuck to that,” says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4644EE4HVBL5MMSA3BQQOMURM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056276},"content":"“I reviewed and cancelled TV subscriptions and now use free trials where I can. I am more careful with food shops, making lists and rough meal plans. I reduced my coffees and eating out, I cut back on new clothes and shoes. I’ve taken one short holiday abroad. I joined libraries so I can borrow books. Basically anything that’s not essential to living or our wellbeing, I cut.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CMV3NYXVQFHZ3CN4HJICKAFI3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056277},"content":"Using comparison sites, she found better deals on electricity, gas, broadband and her mobile phone. “I checked when I would be out of contract and switched to better offers that would save me money.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TIEQ4NW2VFS7CW4QUHR5V4FRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056278},"content":"Those taking a career break should give themselves a six-month financial cushion, says Garvan. “Unexpected bills come in the form of things like [broken] boilers. If you have not allowed for these, your stress rates can go right back up again.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"USSINTLKKVBOZMQDN27UUNVGQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056279},"content":"With the average adult paying €1,685 a year for health insurance, according to the Health Insurance Authority figures, losing employer-paid cover can be costly. Company group schemes can be cheaper than alternatives, so ask the insurer about keeping that discounted rate before leaving.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WFJMA24MJGSHA2XYJMCKWU4KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056280},"content":"“We offer the opportunity to continue with the same cover when you leave the scheme for a career break,” says Irish Life. This can mean a valuable group scheme discount of up to 10 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6K4Q72CSEFBHHISWXFU3YVETJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056281},"content":"If you can’t afford the premium any more, regulations allow you to take a 13-week break in cover without the need to reserve waiting periods. Claims won’t be refunded during this period however, says Irish Life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTMX5TOQS5GZFD2TUBI5GY5J7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056282},"content":"If you are taking temporary leave, talk to your manager about continuing health cover while you are off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IPY5DURNVEB5K3PC2XCJDTRXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056283},"content":"Pension gap?","type":"header"},{"_id":"3BLVS3CNTNC6FIEJAJQZBVLKVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056284},"content":"If your employer contributes to your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pension</a>, resigning or taking some forms of leave, will nix this. While a gap in contributions can seem small at the time, the compounding nature of pensions means any gap becomes larger over time, says Irish Life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVG6SPLFLVF2RHSJY5VVDSSDOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056285},"content":"“Women taking time out of the workforce, usually for maternity or caring responsibilities, is one of the two main drivers of the 36 per cent gender pension gap,” says an Irish Life spokesman of the company’s gender pension gap research.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJIDMSNBM5DVXKOCJTF3WNLT6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056286},"content":"On the flipside, your time is valuable currency too. You’ll need to wager whether a future pension payout is worth the trade of your health and personal fulfilment now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIGPNYMEQZHANKMVWNMDSD6OFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056287},"content":"One way to counteract the gap in pension is to pay some additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) one to two years in advance of taking a career break or when you return to work, says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUCENBRMP5BP7OKLPPBEAAKTDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056288},"content":"“You get up to 40 per cent tax relief on any AVCs you make and this could make up for the lack of contributions while you are on a career break,” he says. It won’t make as much sense to continue contributing to a pension while you are off work as you won’t get the tax relief on contributions at a time when you are not earning income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMQSZEDQRNCT5FY4KO2SDUDHME","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056289},"content":"Those taking a career break to care for children under 12, or a person with a disability over 12, should apply for the Homemaker’s Scheme. This can bridge your PRSI contribution gap, helping you to qualify for a State pension, or get a higher rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP6HLIZLQBHZHF6VL4RNLY73C4","additional_properties":{"_id":"6FSLNACEJFCWJAU7DZCARYDSHY"},"content":"Returning to work after career break no longer has to be intimidating","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DKOHGGPZ4FDETBWWLSDSQLKT6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056290},"content":"If you’re lucky enough to benefit from a share scheme at work, the timing of your resignation will be important. “If you keep the shares for a minimum period of three years, you will be exempt from income tax and you will just have to pay capital gains tax if the shares rise in value,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4KSSGNBBEZGMRGAEDYUARKQF5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056291},"content":"“I sold off whatever company shares I had and transferred the money into my job-quitting/career break fund,” says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGMYNAZZO5EU7FUUX7B4FNTDXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056292},"content":"Share prices in the tech sector in particular have risen significantly in the past 10 years. “Over a career of five to 10 years with a multinational, share options can result in a significant lump sum windfall that could fund a career break,” says Hardiman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P5PBM7LHUZG5PFLJHUJH3BMA3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056293},"content":"“I would encourage all employees of multinationals to make maximum use of these share schemes,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFQKXZBKXJH3LPZB5WIPUT3AXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056294},"content":"Apply for social welfare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDE3AN34AVEXNMCZT3K4LMPBYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056295},"content":"If you quit your job, can you still apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit? The answer is yes, but you won’t get paid for the first nine weeks. After that, it’s paid for nine months for those with the requisite number of PRSI contributions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OTI2J3PQNGWZFU2MKV6QMQU5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731941712198},"content":"It is paid at a maximum individual rate of €232 a week through the post office. Apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit the first day you become unemployed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKF4U4DOX5FVPGH57CGCO7F3SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056296},"content":"Free stuff","type":"header"},{"_id":"5JLGV4YGZVDTLNQHLRLNVHRBPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056297},"content":"Stepping out of the rat race can mean time to explore new areas of interest and a chance to reskill. Or not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWK4IB67TRFTPPZMBULM4U2C3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056298},"content":"“If someone is burnt out, then a complete break is beneficial,” says Garvan. “Otherwise, we would encourage people to stay in touch with their network and push themselves to do new things. It’s a great time to upskill, whether as part of a bigger career move, or just for fun.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LYUL7PQ7JD3BJ7G4JNKYTJHCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056299},"content":"Living on a reduced budget, needn’t be an obstacle, says Marie.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTUXZJULQBD4HBZ7Z263RDWSNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056300},"content":"“I’ve taken up free adult education courses, Springboard courses and local free events and activities. I signed up to the National Library and Trinity Library, I check free exhibitions and anything that grabs my interest,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCUMDD3YRBCLRNRRZS7F3OMJII","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056301},"content":"Springboard provides free higher education courses to reskill people in growth areas. Examples include free postgraduate qualifications in healthcare innovation at Trinity College Dublin, or in sustainability and climate action at UCC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6TJ6FXPYJFR3M2GTKQIO4MTB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585056302},"content":"“People have a number of careers in them and a career break can enable that,” says Garvan. “In terms of people who are burnt out however, we rarely see them re-entering the corporate space. Burnout can be hugely debilitating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Joanne Hunt"}]},"description":{"basic":"Nearly 62% of employees have taken a career break and a third said they would like to do so in the future, according to a LinkedIn survey"},"display_date":"2024-11-19T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Planning a career break? How to live without your salary and dealing with a pension gap","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CYQFI2PV3FDDHGFBJZ5V26HO7A","auth":{"1":"762078db4c6763c13d88a528831b49bf9acde300b1871b0507f5c84e823d7299"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CYQFI2PV3FDDHGFBJZ5V26HO7A.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/19/career-breaks-planning-ahead-can-make-all-the-difference/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"C2SUOPFKUBBDZDP2VTQZO7ZVXI","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/swissport-compliance-manager-unfairly-fired-in-wake-of-failed-inspection-wins-44k/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3HMJOKEAHVFU3JJ37X6QLBZRII","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431644},"content":"Air cargo company Swissport has been ordered to pay over €44,000 to a compliance manager after its failure to follow “anything approaching fair procedures” when it accused him of misleading a State inspector and sacked him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BS2AYPSN4JHSDDQZATIKATDR7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431645},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Nicholas Collins, a veteran of nearly two decades’ “unblemished” service with Swissport, was unfairly dismissed in December last year after the company failed a security inspection by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) two months earlier.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQSYZXMJUBFRXKK6IY5SHFYDNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431646},"content":"The complainant told the tribunal he was subject to a disciplinary process after learning that Swissport had sent a significant amount of cargo through a facility during a 24-hour period when it was unvalidated by the Authority.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZULSG2OPJAITEUUXEVSJAEB4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431647},"content":"The tribunal was told that a Swissport facility in Dublin for which Mr Collins was responsible for regulatory purposes was subject to a full inspection on October 3rd last year – two days before its validation was due to expire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3J6FYH27VEJ7LF3OJK2MCMBT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431648},"content":"The complainant said the inspection “went well” – except that when the inspector asked to see written confirmation of security clearance for workers at the site, there were “issues” with eight employees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKLE65LJ7BDGXNELBE5NNXK7NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431649},"content":"The inspector then told him that she could not revalidate the business, Mr Collins said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RUYVYK66ND3LAPMRTWBFOV4HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431650},"content":"To deal with the situation and stay in compliance, management at the firm decided to stop dispatching cargo from the facility on Wednesday, October 4th at five minutes to midnight, in advance of the expiry of the IAA validation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMHTY7IKENH63FCR3EMNBUUHUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431651},"content":"A second IAA aviation security inspector agreed to come back to the facility and carry out an inspection on Friday, October 6th, and concluded “everything was in order”, including the eight staff security clearances, Mr Collins said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MUATRPYWNCLFKQAQD7ONDAEMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431652},"content":"However, during a warehouse walkabout, the inspector queried some cargo items. Mr Collins said he believed that no cargo had moved during the hiatus and told the inspector so. His evidence was that he believed the decision to call a halt to shipping had been “properly communicated” to the staff responsible.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7MOK6A35JGWNB3I3HO24QSWIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431654},"content":"He found out the following Monday on foot of a further query by an inspector that seven flights had gone out carrying cargo during the time the operation was out of regulation, he told the Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XC6TB4FNBHHPPK2Y4HQFKGD6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431655},"content":"In email correspondence the following Monday, the first inspector asked for information about cargo sent during the 24-hour period of the operation being out of validation, Mr Collins said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YFLPS42RWBCYRAQTOTFUFGE7G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431656},"content":"He said he passed the query on to senior managers, sought out documentation, and received “a bundle of forms which indicated that [Swissport] had sent a significant amount of cargo during the period when [it was] unvalidated”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X6Z5WNO5R5H3HJB2IAGJIVBETM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431657},"content":"Mr Collins said it came as a surprise that any cargo had been dispatched and that he escalated the information to a senior manager – who told him “not to send any response to the IAA” and informed him the company would reply “in due course”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5723NNBUZHUFM6TWAHFJY75NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431658},"content":"A series of meetings followed over the next eight days to discuss the operation’s failure in the revalidation inspection, Mr Collins said, stating that he had been asked to come along “to have a chat” as part of what he believed to be a “fact-finding exercise”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CG6CWWZGQZCOXIJGBPYEKNLZR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431659},"content":"He said he had “no knowledge” of how the cargo was sent out, but that he was told he “should have known” there was cargo going out the door during the hiatus because he had looked at certain logs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VULHJLAE25GELEN645H62V4J4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431660},"content":"He showed one of these logs at a hearing and said there was “no reference on those logs to any flight numbers or any record of the cargo having been booked on to a flight”. He said that process was done by clerical staff and that he had “no role or responsibility” in it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRI5NUSJR5EDZEVZLBACQFGQ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431661},"content":"Mr Collins added that if he had been told at the time that he was personally under investigation, he would have sought legal advice, since it was a “criminal offence” to give incorrect information to an aviation inspector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPUBQMTBI5COLKZCF2HJSGIE44","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431662},"content":"His solicitor, Claire McGuigan of Smyth & Son, told the tribunal her client received no documentation in advance of a disciplinary meeting early last December. Mr Collins stated he was never told his job was at stake.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAALX3OK7RDR3HNEQR425T3FPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431663},"content":"It was put to Mr Collins at the meeting that there had been a “breakdown in communication between the senior management and the cargo operations team” and that he “should have been aware the shipments left the warehouse”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EKMMCMXVVB4VCDU6FDDPH6LXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431664},"content":"The disciplinary panel chairman took the view that Mr Collins “acted wrongly and knowingly and misled the senior aviation inspector”, the tribunal was told, and Mr Collins was sacked on the grounds of gross misconduct, a sanction upheld on internal appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFEMNONKQ5HRDBBXIJ4XE7I7VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431665},"content":"Ms McGuigan, argued the process was “fundamentally flawed” as her client had been completely unaware he was the subject of an investigation and never received the investigation report which led to the disciplinary hearing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"22AP5KAOIFEKJHKZCNX5RTVGQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431666},"content":"Adjudicator John Harraghy noted that the representatives sent by Swissport to the WRC hearing last month stated that they had “no knowledge” of what happened other than what was stated in the dismissal letter issued to Mr Collins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PGYFXBD6FCXRDBNG2GLWFRE3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431667},"content":"A HR manager, Kelly Porter, said the staff responsible for the investigation were “no longer working” for Swissport and “were not willing to attend the hearing”. She said the disciplinary officer and the appeals officer were still employed, but gave “no explanation for their non-attendance”, Mr Harraghy noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TM67JLJXPZFHNFFDGVJCCM4FLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431668},"content":"He wrote in his decision that Swissport “did not afford [Mr Collins] anything approaching fair procedures” and “failed in its duty” to afford him his rights during the investigation and disciplinary process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSUHKFNNLJGY5CQCOITSFB4EVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431669},"content":"Mr Harraghy found the company in breach of the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and awarded Mr Collins €40,000 in compensation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XNDRFK3WBC5NGYCYFQCG6H32M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731933431670},"content":"The tribunal awarded a further €4,443.60 – four weeks’ pay – in compensation for the failure to provide Mr Collins with a written statement of terms and conditions of employment upon his promotion to compliance manager in 2018. The breach of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 was conceded by the employer at hearing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"WRC finds that air cargo company failed to follow ‘anything approaching fair procedure’ after blaming company veteran for rogue shipments"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T12:40:15.086Z","headlines":{"basic":"Swissport compliance manager unfairly fired in wake of failed inspection wins €44k","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"F2SGXLFQC5HYRJGBYNSNGR7SQA","auth":{"1":"55d74770af90887862e7272d2d97ad631e854b435432dc411eca04c588b019e3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/F2SGXLFQC5HYRJGBYNSNGR7SQA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/swissport-compliance-manager-unfairly-fired-in-wake-of-failed-inspection-wins-44k/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"GLK52CEUHJB2HPXTGASBRBKEXI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":284,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6484d053-980f-42b1-ac1d-6431a0aa9c1d/versions/1731857213/media/85fc3c34e62d659324e0fb4f2f46c810_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/why-rudeness-has-no-place-at-work/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4FFGQFTKR5E6BLV6FZ7JFWIDZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599889},"content":"UK Tory party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kemi-badenoch/\" target=\"_blank\">Kemi Badenoch</a> is rude. That’s not my description. I have never spoken to the new leader of the Conservatives. It is a characterisation attributed to her by detractors and supporters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F2O4NKBRKVFT3MZU4EOBEJWH3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599895},"content":"On a television show before the party’s leadership election, former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns said Badenoch “came across as rude, like a school ma’am disciplining schoolchildren” and urged her to have “more respect”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEZEBTJ5BVAGBPT2MNJZYO4ASA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599896},"content":"Then, in a podcast interview, BBC political editor Chris Mason told Badenoch he had spoken to a few Tory colleagues, including supportive MPs, who complained of her tendency to fall out with people. She replied: “I don’t think I’m being rude; I just think I’m saying something that I wouldn’t mind hearing back ... I have to be mindful that I have a higher tolerance for things than others.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HOEGYJ5QVFB7DH4EBPD6BZOTYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274642},"content":"The upside, she said, was it meant she was better equipped to cope with “stress”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4D44MJPPRG2TGNOEVPBXY5BUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599897},"content":"The fact that commentators and peers have remarked on her personality could be viewed as sexist, holding women to different standards than their male counterparts. There might be some truth to that — women can be perceived as angry or aggressive when adopting a similar tone to men.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XR57EX3LSVHDLLHCNK54STRRXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274644},"content":"One study found women were more likely to be on the receiving end of incivility but also react “more strongly” to rudeness, particularly if it comes from another woman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSLOFFEOZFAQTBE4RQ74WXXMX4","additional_properties":{"_id":"4CILWU7X2ZFV3F5TUEYJBUMRJM"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"66N5ENHKNRGNXL53RENBKXQTHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599898},"content":"This shows rudeness can be in the eye of the beholder. Language and etiquette can be lost in translation. As one of the footballer players explains in Apple TV’s Ted Lasso comedy series: “Jan Maas is not being rude. He’s just being Dutch.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHPNY4AM7RFFFLBD4ULGVAH7WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274647},"content":"I recently enjoyed an Instagram reel entitled “Watch me get roasted at my colour analysis in Korea”, in which a woman is told different shades of reds and yellows variously make her “wrinkles more obvious” and accentuate her “beard”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3VMLYACKJHT5DFT5655C5TAVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599899},"content":"But while it might be subjective, it is fair to say that if even your fans make the same criticism, you probably have to accept it. Badenoch has, offering to soften her approach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AXOUCVVSVBGUDEH4H523CIFDUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274649},"content":"This is important not just because manners make the world go round but because rudeness can demotivate colleagues and lead to a dysfunctional workplace.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXAOGUGGDFECRE6HLRZVQ3PV7E","additional_properties":{"_id":"RIDRL52AUBCEVBWPRTTZZFB6F4"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-86726","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WZXHQ6QOAJDVJDM5E6DAWAU3DY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731852274651},"content":"Research published this year in the Applied Psychology Journal found rudeness diminished individuals’ performance and their ability to work in a team, which “may even have life-threatening consequences”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43BTL7OW7BDUVL5MWG66OZD3KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599900},"content":"As one woman told the Civility Saves Lives group, which promotes civil conduct and improves patient care in the NHS: “When I was involved in an acute situation, I expected that someone would be stressed and rude.” When that was not the case, she relaxed and “could focus”. I know which team I’d seek out for treatment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTR7U43H6NFN7INQE6DIOUZABQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599901},"content":"It is also contagious and particularly egregious when a negative tone is set at the top.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQWSP4G5NJEB3N6ENNQ576UGVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599902},"content":"For some, bluntness is a source of pride. They are straight talkers, shooting from the hip, telling it like it is. But when have the words “I don’t mean to be rude” been followed by anything other than a whopping insult?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMO2TKISABCCRE5QCIGNCVUGIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"X2GMHUVUOBHBVBQOPVPY736L5Y"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"TUDV7HCAWFFWTA2I6PGQN6Q7Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599903},"content":"It is a common misconception that such truth-tellers deliver much-needed feedback. In a LinkedIn post, Kim Scott, the former Google executive, wrote that this view was leading to the misinterpretation of her book Radical Candor. “Cartoonists keep illustrating it with some maniac yelling at others. That’s certainly not what I’m trying to say! ... Radical candour means challenging directly while also showing that you care personally.” She goes on to make the point that there is a “false dichotomy that leaves too many people feeling they have to choose between being a jerk and being an incompetent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWR34MLJWFG47PCAK56EY6NIH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599904},"content":"Does being rude and brushing off incivility from others make you better equipped to deal with high stress, as Badenoch suggested, signifying the trait equipped her for leadership?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GRLYFK3IBFTZF2EUS7TRDEHFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599905},"content":"Niels Van Quaquebeke, professor of leadership and organisational behaviour at Kühne Logistics University, who has studied rudeness, says that people “low in agreeableness might think they can weather stress better, but research suggests the opposite”. Not only do they create more stress, they are also potentially less able to self-regulate their emotions and “experience more stress”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSCEYI45XNDDJKNLFWNL2ZFAGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731841599906},"content":"Whatever the truth of Badenoch’s rudeness, it did not deter colleagues from voting her in as leader. Whether she will stay is another matter. — Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emma Jacobs"}},"name":"Emma Jacobs"}]},"description":{"basic":"Straight talkers take pride in honesty but can demotivate colleagues"},"display_date":"2024-11-18T06:10:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rudeness and ‘radical candour’ at work: Is it acceptable to be blunt with colleagues? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4V3X6MPJFJAONAXW7VZZRRHK3U","auth":{"1":"7d425b12fd49f3543c28c4162812692970150900ef9fc24d4935fd02d76ee035"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4V3X6MPJFJAONAXW7VZZRRHK3U.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/18/why-rudeness-has-no-place-at-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"GUWOSL7WKFG6LFZF5NPLTUK7UM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/management-at-bd-pull-out-of-talks-on-redundancy-terms/","content_elements":[{"_id":"GZ4AT7EED5HQRAQZRDPRJIYZNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894169},"content":"Management at the Becton Dickinson (DB) plant in Drogheda earmarked for closure have pulled out of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission intended to produce an agreement on redundancy terms for the more than 200 staff affected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7WIGBIJFZCVFNZ5A2R26QKQ34","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894170},"content":"The company says an agreement that industrial action at the plant would be suspended pending the talks has not been honoured and that as a result it can no longer engage with the process. It said it would refer the dispute, which has rumbled on since the closure was announced at the start of July, to the Labour Court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWT6OSDYVVF7VBLH6QOP3Y7FXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894171},"content":"One of the unions involved, Siptu, has denied any industrial action is ongoing and described the company position as “bizarre”. Sector organiser Andrea Cleere said the union’s members were “completely shocked and disheartened by this approach by the company”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYKYJQJDBVAN5LSYGSF5I442DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731888739999},"content":"BD, however, says daily production in November has been down 45 per cent on normal levels and a ban on overtime declared by Siptu remains in effect which, it says, has had a huge impact on equipment repair at the plant.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6WPA52BGZEXNGJ53ETMQUKVQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731888740000},"content":"The dispute is about the terms on offer the staff who are to lose their jobs as a result closure, scheduled to be complete by 2026 as part of an international supply chain review.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SA57REVATFAKHIARFM76XZE74I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894173},"content":"It is understood the company originally offered terms of five and a half weeks per year of service ex gratia, capped at 104 weeks, as well as additional statutory redundancy of two weeks per year of service which is capped at €600, plus one additional week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCTIVYQXNJADLCPTJSLNPUIFSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894174},"content":"However, during a previous conciliation process at the WRC, this offer was improved with the new proposals including additional payments for an orderly wind down and to those workers with long service impacted by the 104 week cap.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYQI7CI7LREURJM2NE662LQ4JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894175},"content":"The union says the terms on offer do not match those provided during a previous round of voluntary redundancies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKFOXIMOWJESBPQOCPK6C74EUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894176},"content":"“Since the commencement of this process, BD has made every effort to negotiate in good faith to arrive at the best possible settlement for all those affected,” the company said in a statement. “We are extremely disappointed that these efforts have not been reciprocated by the trade unions who have been unwilling to cease industrial action at the site, which was a condition of entering the conciliation process with the Workforce Relations Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNOJDWLYDBFPRDAOBHIGF2EVZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894178},"content":"“We now anticipate that the matter will be referred to the Labour Court. Should that occur, we look forward to the adjudication hearing to bring closure and clarity to this matter for all employees at the Drogheda facility.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C32G2WJZCBBLBL7QENCWRTO4B4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894179},"content":"Ms Cleere said the union was “surprised” by the move. “Our members can categorically state that they are not currently engaged in any aspect of industrial action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWL6M5KMIJDZPHN5ATHDCPPDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731666894180},"content":"“We consider that the withdrawal from WRC conciliation talks and the suggested unilateral referral to the Labour Court is a bizarre move which has undermined the good faith under which we entered into this process,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Company cites ongoing industrial action which Siptu trade union denies, describing company’s position as ‘bizarre’"},"display_date":"2024-11-15T10:57:26.439Z","headlines":{"basic":"Management at BD pull out of talks on redundancy terms","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DYT2CBHYWBZNWUXFL5R33WJZFA","auth":{"1":"149be41d7c233702eb37cf6efa92da850ecc29de20441fdc49f1eca8b0e0dd1f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DYT2CBHYWBZNWUXFL5R33WJZFA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/management-at-bd-pull-out-of-talks-on-redundancy-terms/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"DUQVUV4GMVFHRLU3QHX6TMB2N4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":231,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/226c144b-2fe2-4bdb-bf56-3f73ef847fad/versions/1731607188/media/46a516267023e1cd86b36f0c756c179f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/pension-opt-out-may-disappear-as-firms-look-to-sidestep-auto-enrolment/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QF4JNBH4D5DMBFJF6AJDBQLVWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731585717916},"content":"Workers may lose the right to opt out of their employer’s occupational <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pension</a> scheme as companies look to avoid the administrative burden of operating auto-enrolment (AE), according to benefits consultants WTW.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCJCRGJBOZHQDGGXDW5GYR4F24","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759042},"content":"WTW says companies and their employees face “significant challenges” ahead of the introduction of Ireland’s mandatory workplace pension scheme, My Future Fund, at the end of September next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JWTKBS4FNREA7BOPCPDTBBCHDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759043},"content":"A survey of 100 mostly large employers across the State found that 97 per cent currently offer a workplace pension scheme. Yet, just more than a third make it mandatory for staff to join the scheme when recruited.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFQ7L2KRLNEVDAXEVYYHK3OHDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759044},"content":"More than half of the remainder say they now plan to make joining the in-house pension scheme mandatory for new hires, WTW said, “signifying a strategic shift on the part of employers in preparing for AE”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KK6RFSVZWZGCJIQHL5UCACH4BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601803858},"content":"“Our experience is that companies would like to have everyone on the same platform as engaging with offering both an employer’s scheme and the Government AE scheme creates administration and communication complexities, particularly given the significant difference in how both systems operate,” says WTW head of corporate consulting, Brian Mulcair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6TSAGMLGBBYPNPJXM4ZS52HHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759045},"content":"Employers will have to set up access to the State auto-enrolment programme from the end of September next year for all employees who are not members of any other pension scheme. That includes those who have opted out of an in-house occupational scheme, those working through a waiting period before accessing such schemes and temporary staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTFDW2FGGNGZ7MEFFCJLTIFYUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731600737610},"content":"As of now, 38 per cent of responding companies impose waiting periods before new staff can join their pension scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMYNUCZELZFDTJJ6MIBTK762NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731600737611},"content":"“Leaving those waiting periods in place will mean that employees will be automatically enrolled in the Government’s new AE scheme ... which will complicate pensions administration,” said WTW, adding that companies affected will need to review this aspect of their pension plan design.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAC3NKYG2ZCLNAGQPUNPZXYIQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731600737612},"content":"The administrative burden of AE, juggling dual pension schemes and addressing the issue of temporary employees were employers’ biggest concerns, all ranking well ahead of cost issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Y2LQBHH5ZFV3J77S7RPSQPAVU","additional_properties":{"_id":"VM46D3CK5ZH7PJUDBXJSFHTHEY"},"content":"Pensions: Uncertain times ahead of retiring workers","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4WNEZAERZFHFTLDDULTMHLYJOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601803863},"content":"Temporary employees may well find themselves enrolled in AE, Mr Mulcair said as “there is a lot of administration involved in admitting short-term hires in an employer’s scheme and then administering the small retirement account that will have accumulated”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLDYCANXZFD7LFPTQCJNM5DZ4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601803864},"content":"Temporary staff would also lose any benefit of employer contributions to their pension under a company scheme unless they are working there for more than two years, while AE will lock in the benefit of contributions from the employer and the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCI6QV53LZFU7FPNF56ANVZHYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759046},"content":"Auto-enrolment will see everyone between the ages of 23 and 60 who earns more than €20,000 a year and is not already a pension scheme member, automatically enrolled in the My Future Fund.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNECGA4AEFFZPDEK4K3BYZWAIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759047},"content":"They will initially pay 1.5 per cent of their gross salary into the scheme from their after-tax earnings, with that sum matched by their employer and the State contributing 0.5 per cent. That figure will rise by 1.5 percentage points for staff and employer, and half a point for the State every three years up to 2035, after which it will stay at 6 per cent, 6 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQFIYYWE5JCRPMG3G34LFP6YLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759048},"content":"Average employer contributions to their own workplace schemes – at an average of 7 per cent across the State – are higher than the level that will be mandated under auto-enrolment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AL7LSWW5HRFJNBHE2ABXY6WYVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759049},"content":"Employees signed up to occupational schemes will also benefit from tax relief at their higher income tax rate, which is more beneficial financially than the €1 for €3 State top-up under auto-enrolment unless you only pay tax at the standard 20 per cent rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQO3A5AMUZFZ5DCCWPY2QRPSDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759050},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VYXBY7WM5ZE4VAQKBKD4Z3VBCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731597759051},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Dominic Coyle"}},"name":"Dominic Coyle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Companies examining rules of existing workplace pensions to minimise duplication under My Future Fund regime"},"display_date":"2024-11-15T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pension opt out may disappear as firms look to sidestep auto-enrolment","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EYX3JUTPBBDQFHSN2HNAL5W6XU","auth":{"1":"cbd6e102fb843e13bc73b403cd96f63149a90ae4cfa4acdd56ad4210c1d83512"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EYX3JUTPBBDQFHSN2HNAL5W6XU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/15/pension-opt-out-may-disappear-as-firms-look-to-sidestep-auto-enrolment/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"IT2VDVJETNBL3HGPGKIYBYEXNU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":235,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/59d01159-1482-47ab-865f-ea69a537845d/versions/1731603262/media/fd7ef63b78eee8a69958b86255e17f7c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/14/dublin-hospital-chaplain-wins-claim-for-double-pay-on-sundays/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MMIHOWYYXZHGRFFQNAWO4A3Y3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862630},"content":"A hospital chaplain who found out he was meant to be paid double time for working Sunday shifts after nearly a quarter of a century walking the wards has been awarded €2,600 in compensation for a breach of his employment rights.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEJGGCDCNZG6DMFGQO3VBVNWIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862631},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) in Dublin was in breach of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 in its failure to pay a Sunday premium to Rev Liam Cuffe, who has been chaplain to the hospital since 1999.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBTG4YB7LJAI3CWKBYG3HW2VA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862632},"content":"The Fórsa trade union, appearing for Rev Cuffe, told the tribunal its client earned €5,431 a month in the post, which involved giving end-of-life spiritual support to patients as well as other duties. Although the contract of employment required the chaplain to work weekends, it was “silent in relation to the provision for Sunday premium”, the union submitted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WSGLJTKUNFB6DAZBFUIK36B5DI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862634},"content":"The Fórsa representative pointed to a HSE guidance document on terms and conditions of employment in the health service which addressed Sunday work. This stated: “An employee who works a ‘5 over 7′ roster [five days in a weeklong period] and is scheduled to work on Sunday is entitled to single time extra for each hour worked.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"REI55N574NFKJKDULNE32V44AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862635},"content":"Rev Cuffe wrote to the hospital management in June 2022 looking for clarification on various allowances, including Sunday premium pay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDZJBSDA6RGD3IZMWSNJ75TFZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862636},"content":"His Fórsa rep said there had been a “lengthy engagement process” culminating in his client being told it had been “decided” after correspondence with the HSE that chaplains would “get single time extra”, or double time, for Sundays, starting on November 6th, 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UBZ7JBR2PFHQTAXFGH2OZZ2VCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862637},"content":"The hospital’s position was that the Sunday premium had been paid to the complainant since that date in “good faith” and there was “no pre-existing contractual entitlement” to it. The extra pay had been provided for out of the hospital’s own funds rather than the HSE funding, which usually covered payroll, a representative of employers’ group Ibec, appearing for the hospital, submitted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5IICEDNXJCPNF3PJT7S2VSE2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862639},"content":"A HSE circular addressing the provision of a chaplaincy service stated that it “shall include nights and weekends” and stated that “overtime is not payable”, it was submitted. The language of the circular was “mirrored” in contracts signed by Rev Cuffe in 2001 and 2006, it was further submitted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIMZK7OSSZBQPCUTZP5RVNWLF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862640},"content":"The Ibec representative argued that the clause “naturally included Sundays” and that a premium had been “incorporated into his contractual salary”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZPJIFYYFND2DEROCM445DMIQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862641},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"XA6EB7N4WJGCPAXVSV43XLKYRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862642},"content":"Adjudicator Aideen Collard wrote that it was “incumbent” on the employer to make sure the chaplain was paid according to his contractual and statutory entitlements, but that it had been “guided by the HSE” in this regard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJDEBVDQSBHTHATMSRA3KUAFVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862643},"content":"She wrote that, as the hospital started paying the Sunday premium after receiving guidance that a premium “may fall to be paid”, she could not accept the contention that it had been a “good faith” payment and did not “constitute acknowledgment of a pre-existing contractual entitlement”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ADBWMIOO4FEKBA2IBXKIOU7LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862644},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNK7EL7UQRDBLFAJJ6AHVDFW7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862645},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNK7EL7UQRDBLFAJJ6AHVDFW7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862646},"content":"Citing a contravention of Section 14 of the Act, she directed St Vincent’s University Hospital to pay Rev Cuffe €2,627 for the breach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6WR64DI2FDG5MU25B3DT6BSWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862647},"content":"Ms Collard wrote that she considered it “just and equitable” to limit the compensation to the priest’s economic loss in the six months up to November 6th 2023, when he lodged his statutory complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VRLYWCDJXRDX7HKV6OH3F4JI6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731601862648},"content":"This was because there had been a “lack of legal certainty” about the contractual provision for Sunday premium, because the issue was not raised with the employer earlier than 2022, and because payments began as soon as the entitlement was confirmed, she wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"St Vincent’s University Hospital found to have failed to play premium rate to Rev Liam Cuffe"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T16:49:10.324Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dublin hospital chaplain wins claim for double pay on 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being allowed to slip away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRQFX7OYSVFGFGDCRNQ5DIM5AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599788},"content":"At an event to launch its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> manifesto, the union says stronger regulation should be put in place to protect people’s ability to spend at least a significant portion of their week working remotely where practicable and it wants the government to agree to trial a four day working week in areas where it might work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHHRIQ2OLRH2LJQTLSMP2UC4XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599789},"content":"“The way in which work is organised has changed enormously since the start of the pandemic,” said Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan. “We’ve had remote working, blended working, hybrid working, whatever we want to call it, and the way in which that has operated across the economy, I think, has been transformative.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6U7EL3VUZCJTLI77SM66N7LB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599790},"content":"“But let’s be honest, there is clear pull back into the office, you can see that in the traffic every morning. And I think we need to appreciate the benefits that were achieved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUCTD44SLRAU7FMAYKAVSMVG2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599791},"content":"“And we make no apology for putting the question of the four day week on the table,” he said. “It’s almost a century since we saw dramatic changes in working time and it’s only reasonable that we would look now and see, can we improve how work is organised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFGH5EU5YBE5FKPZWKDTVYG52A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599792},"content":"“What we’re talking about involved 100 per cent of the pay, 80 per cent of the time and 100 perc cent of the productivity. But obviously that’s only going to happen if we pilot how these things can be organised. Nobody is for one minute saying that there aren’t some areas that will be far more problematic than others tbut you have to start somewhere.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFJHNJYBWRCNVFV2UMVZOATXGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599793},"content":"“There are examples within the private sector where the four day week has been successfully trialled. All we’re saying is that we want the incoming government, to commit to sitting down with us and agreeing areas where we can trial it in the public sector”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DIGBI52OFZAYFKVJ5PJ3FCGCUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599794},"content":"The union said other key priorities during the term of the next government would be pay increases that go above the rate of inflation and investment in public infrastructure to address current problem areas, particularly in areas like health and housing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECZK3IFGLRGJ7ESIABIXR36E6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599795},"content":"Fórsa says pay this is a particular concern for young workers in the public sector with many saying remuneration for entry grades and slow increment related pay progression make issues like childcare and housing a huge challenge for many.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPZH7AYDUBCPJGYPIZEZLVOVYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731591599796},"content":"A survey involving just over 20,000 of the union’s members carried out by research company Amárach found 85 per cent said pay would be a factor in how they vote, 81 per cent would back candidates favouring increase spending on health and social services and 64 per cent said affordable childcare was one of their key priorities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Pay increases that go above rate of inflation among other key issues next government must address, says union"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T14:58:24.624Z","headlines":{"basic":"Hybrid working gains made during pandemic must be protected, Fórsa election document says","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XFBMXTRJDQZ3KYGVEET7KGZ6GI","auth":{"1":"22e68c5243336bcad7b9a01e817c2304993cc3ec86c347c7493865114379cdd9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XFBMXTRJDQZ3KYGVEET7KGZ6GI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/2024/11/14/hybrid-working-gains-made-during-pandemic-must-be-protected-forsa-election-document-says/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"OLMQLXOIW5GGPBWRVSUG732VZY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":484,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/8e27974b-7e9e-448e-9c3b-ced58a93692a/versions/1731490724/media/aa9bbe59758a5c31a1145c6d82a4fdeb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/14/surviving-a-shake-up-is-restructuring-ever-good-for-staff/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SNDAOEURZRDJZHLLSG3MJYTFQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600195},"content":"In a September memo to staff, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/amazon\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon</a>’s chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/andy-jassy/\" target=\"_blank\">Andy Jassy</a> laid out a list of symptoms of an over-bureaucratic company that will feel familiar to anyone working for a big business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VUTNOUCJJEIJCNOFQESO6JEH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600196},"content":"He described hindrances such as “pre-meetings for the pre-meetings for the decision meetings” and “a longer line of managers” needing to review decisions. He also suggested some familiar solutions: restructuring, delayering of management and flattening of hierarchy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ENSV5LO3FHFHOPVBTJRWVP4YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600197},"content":"Amazon is far from alone in its refocus on productivity. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meta/\" target=\"_blank\">Meta</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mark-zuckerberg/\" target=\"_blank\">Mark Zuckerberg</a> proclaimed 2023 to be a “year of efficiency”, laying out his aim to “defragment layers” and, like Jassy, to increase the ratio of staff reporting to each remaining manager. Citigroup’s “Project Bora Bora” has sliced five layers of management out of 13. Companies including UK bank <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hsbc/\" target=\"_blank\">HSBC</a>, professional services firm Deloitte and consumer products group Unilever have launched restructurings in the past year. Nissan this week launched an emergency turnaround plan in an attempt to counter falling profits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJWNQLQDJFDQ7NVNZBINABHVKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600198},"content":"The announcements often hold great promise. “We’re cutting the bureaucratic processes and needless complexity that get in the way of us performing our best,” Citi’s Jane Fraser wrote in a memo in March. “After all, no successful organisation is ever static.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZPHHWMBUFBUPJSBBC2BG3FYSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600199},"content":"Many leaders agree. Untended, large companies do gradually accrete bureaucracy and cost. But Fraser’s mantra can be an excuse for chief executives, abetted by consultants, to push through repeat restructurings that can sow uncertainty across organisations and distract and demotivate workers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JQK7RRJMVBETAPHDE2UURN34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600200},"content":"Even when there are good reasons to restructure, a lack of proper planning can undermine any benefits, say executives who have overseen such plans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MOS3BJAENEBTG7KAMT4T4EAME","additional_properties":{"_id":"CMWGMSF4NZED7NVCUI2TVYNRRM"},"content":"Is there a ‘fractional executive’ in your workplace? They have advantages over in-house staff","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KBE4GLVBPRH2VGCZP66Y4XOEWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600201},"content":"Bosses will not usually publicise it as their main goal, but most reorganisations involve job cuts, often targeting middle managers, or occasionally – as in HSBC’s recently announced shake-up – senior layers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T46UTHZCPFCQ3OB627HU5ANMOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600202},"content":"Ashley Goodall, a former human resources executive at Deloitte and technology company Cisco, says change is “one thing that stops people from doing their jobs”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25APFINKL5HXXLQKNKFBDIK4QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600203},"content":"For his book, Goodall interviewed dozens of people who had gone through reorganisations. They testified to how poorly explained restructuring, and the consequent uncertainty and lack of control, had a negative psychological impact even on those who kept their jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2MYAYYOBZEUDKEBTLPL4QADAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600204},"content":"He says few companies are genuinely in such trouble that restructuring is unavoidable. “Very often we attach to the story of the CEO coming in, [the idea that] ‘this thing is going down the tubes unless you take serious action’. But that doesn’t justify all the parallel restructuring being done for reasons other than actual survival.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSD3QCIG7NCE5O4SNBPOIWVS2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600205},"content":"Goodall says many of the restructurings happening now “will give you a headcount reduction target and you figure out where these people are going to come from and what the organisation will look like afterwards”. He warns: “There isn’t a degree of co-ordination across the organisation. It isn’t a designed process.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOK5DMI6J5G4RHEQBNOWAD5NHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600206},"content":"On the other hand, a more thoughtful approach, which prepares for the potential human and organisational consequences of job reductions and cost-cutting, can pay off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7MMSO4E3VB5LH4NY23RCGRDHU","additional_properties":{"_id":"JJDOKCGSOFBQXFMIOUDKYRWI7Q"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"AXUDP26ZUNDXRNE3VZED5AANWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600207},"content":"After the Australian government renationalised Telstra’s fixed-line telecoms network in the early 2010s, the group needed to restructure and resize itself to match its lower revenues. On the surface, the goals of the group’s Telstra 2022 programme sounded like other such initiatives: to simplify, cut costs and headcount, and reduce layers of management. But Alex Badenoch, the HR executive given the task of leading the plan in 2018, says cost reduction – or “cost-out” – was a “byproduct, not a primary goal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4W2IDN4ABAUFPBIJJ6WWIRBQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600208},"content":"“When you look at a lot of announcements about delayering, it’s often done as more of a blunt instrument,” she says. “Flattening” hierarchy, even if it starts with the goal of giving more responsibility to front-line staff, can lead to an increase in managers’ direct reports and workload. “The cost-out is often unsustainable,” says Badenoch. “Twelve months later, they have rebuilt the costs back into the business because they didn’t change the way the company was operating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MH5IRZYT3FGS7NAZUTUSFYPKGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600209},"content":"Learning from previous unsuccessful restructurings, Telstra sought to simplify its processes, and remove duplication of activities, so it was not just “doing more with less [staff], but doing less work”. To ease the unavoidable uncertainty, the group explained to staff how it would achieve its goals and over what timetable, scheduling “change windows” when transformation would take place, so employees could prepare. “When you think about change, it’s often very opaque,” says Badenoch, “but this was a clearer story that everyone understood.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUVEUJ7JWFDTPOIUIKWH5TMMLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600210},"content":"Careful design is also needed in another case where restructuring may be inevitable, after an acquisition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DUJYNPSIBBUXAR3KRFEKUQS3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600211},"content":"Less than three years after US wireless carrier Sprint bought rival Nextel in 2005, the buyer had to write off nearly 90 per cent of the $35 billion (€33 billion) price, largely because of a botched integration. Academics Baruch Lev and Feng Gu describe in their new book how the merged companies closed service centres, just as they were most needed by confused customers, and put all positions up for competition between staff. The best employees quit; the mediocre stayed. Lev and Gu’s research shows that the most successful acquirers retain key staff and on average enjoy an increase in headcount after the deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCFYNYUVCBHE7IQKNMK7EUVWPE","additional_properties":{"_id":"J5MJT3NDZBC7FCONMXHNDYF62Y"},"content":"Taking voluntary redundancy or getting laid off? You need to know about your tax, welfare and pension options","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XJJ4X6CE7ZF6RLH2IRYNY4WVBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600212},"content":"Lev says the same “adverse selection” flight of talented staff can afflict troubled companies that mishandle internal restructuring. The only consolation is that a well-handled reorganisation is less risky than dealmaking, which Lev and Gu find has a failure rate of 70-75 per cent. “If you buy a company, you have to buy everything and pay a premium for it,” says Lev. “[With] internal reorganisation, you do it slowly and [at] the first sign that something doesn’t work, you can stop it and reverse it or change it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBWVO53EEJDT7GROXZGJ7HJJZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600213},"content":"Careful restructuring can present opportunities as well as dangers. Diane Gherson, former chief human resources officer at technology group IBM, says the flattening trend is now giving way to a networked approach, which frees managers for new roles. Internal communication tools such as Slack allow staff to request help on projects directly from other departments, rather than going through the management hierarchy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMHCGVOOGFETPBW2Q6KPXHGIHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600214},"content":"Telstra also took the opportunity to remodel the system, while simplifying its structure. It created two types of manager. “Leaders of people” are responsible for a specific “chapter” of similarly skilled staff. “Leaders of work” manage projects and staff them from the chapters. Gherson and London Business School’s Lynda Gratton acclaimed this as a “bold experiment” in an article in Harvard Business Review in 2022. Almost two years since Badenoch moved on from Telstra to apply her knowledge as a consultant and non-executive director, she believes the system is still working well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5W4HZ4IXGZELRI6M3SSQMM6FIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731310600215},"content":"It is too soon to see whether the programmes under way at Meta, Citigroup, Amazon, HSBC and others will reshape the work of managers left behind as radically. Badenoch believes companies bent on restructuring should certainly be trying to adopt a more rounded approach that looks beyond the potential cost savings that delayering could achieve: “My question for Amazon is: what are you changing about how you work to enable that [increased staff-manager ratio], because there’s a limit to people’s capacity to just take more and more direct reports, if you’re not changing anything about how they work or the volume of work?” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Andrew Hill"}]},"description":{"basic":"As companies from Amazon to Citi overhaul management, experts warn that savings from job cuts can be overtaken by unintended consequences"},"display_date":"2024-11-14T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Surviving a shake-up: is restructuring ever good for staff?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UEIYI46TUVTLTYCMFPFRCPSZHY","auth":{"1":"27831b4c2c77429768d0ef56f8b764e82ecd29807fcf4cc323d8a49dc2943a30"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UEIYI46TUVTLTYCMFPFRCPSZHY.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/14/surviving-a-shake-up-is-restructuring-ever-good-for-staff/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"TU2IW7A7JZAP3AB2ES2Z4MCGYA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":195,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/684df442-ff32-4aaa-adab-c8315fa1c83e/versions/1731431244/media/fcc917b55130ff19bba3d89ece8985a8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/13/irish-chefs-return-to-the-kitchen-in-post-covid-bounce/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2HZOVFOZQJGT5LP5URXFNDQ5PE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886948},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/food-month/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish chefs</a>, long suspicious of gruelling kitchen culture, are returning to restaurants more readily following a post-Covid shake-up of the industry and working hours, new research has indicated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QXT3GRAL5ZCGFACOCQVX3HZNAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886949},"content":"An extensive survey on recruitment and retention in the hospitality sector, conducted by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/failte-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Fáilte Ireland</a>, has found that while finding staff is getting easier, workers are more likely to complain about their relative conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6L62HUGT6FHSPDVKLR2LXLTTRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886950},"content":"However, for the restaurant trade, long-standing issues around chef recruitment have fallen away dramatically — 57 per cent of employers reported “considerable difficulties” this year compared to 88 per cent in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QZCSSPBQP5DZTEJKYZF344LJT4","additional_properties":{"_id":"PDFLAHOUZFH45CAUEFR6IIHZLY"},"content":"Peter Caviston recognised for lifetime achievement at Good Food Ireland awards","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SKZYGYK2QZEQNDAEY4TFSIRIXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There is more value probably being placed upon them by the industry,” explained Fáilte Ireland’s head of research Caeman Wall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WIVXPPZYPZHZNMTIAAV6DDFE2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886952},"content":"“More consideration is given to flexible working and avoiding burnout. You watch the TV shows and it’s all about screaming and roaring in the kitchen and that’s the way it would have been in the likes of Gordon Ramsey’s day but that’s not the kitchen you would go into now — it was toxic then but it’s been called out as toxic now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XSAK7WSGRFU3JGX2IEBR23JOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886953},"content":"Director of sector development Jenny De Saulles said the Covid pandemic had allowed businesses to reconsider their models, leading to changes in kitchen operations, notably with fewer working hours and less fatigue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNDAL2JFXZDTTDIAZNRMN2WQHY","additional_properties":{"_id":"BQGX2BVB5BA5TBIGVB2OVMYBXE"},"content":"I stepped back from the restaurant business two years ago. Here’s why 600 other closures have followed","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"D4BBAHWKKNB3RHE6YH7XRNSD3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cheffing roles are classed as “showstoppers” — businesses cannot run without them — but recruitment in hospitality is far more widespread.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6E3TGPP25BPXIHFT2OTNXWKCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886955},"content":"The research, which surveyed 673 employees and about 600 businesses and was published on Wednesday, found overall recruitment has become easier due to measures taken by employers, although challenges persist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYRQTGO6MRAW3PEF47XVHSYNTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"MFR7PHOXCNDUJL32UWN3ZRIDWA"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-98388","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5NC6QSBA6JDY7C25M4R5SHEYFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"While perceptions of regular pay have improved, workers feel additional compensation for unsocial hours has stagnated. That is in addition to other worsening impressions among staff who have reported more recent declines in confidence regarding long-term career opportunities and career progression.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5Z4KROPGRBRFD3L52EFT7RLGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886957},"content":"“There remains a significant divide between what employers say they are doing and what workers perceive to be the case,” the research noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSIJ66MSBBGLPBKA3FXJDSRROE","additional_properties":{"_id":"F757GV6GZZFSVE2XDCRAK32KKY"},"content":"Here are 33 places to eat in Ireland that readers say are good value","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CUOVAAL46BECPNMOCDD3NAU7EU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Recruitment concerns have eased dramatically across 13 key roles — in the case of waiting staff, employment problems have fallen from 62 to 17 per cent over the last four years. Unease surrounding the retention of staff has followed a similar pattern.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3FBCTFIKFBCHGUNICYZ4OJLBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886959},"content":"However, staffing shortfalls have led to a “negative impact on customer experience” according to 60 per cent of participants and continues to be an issue, peaking among accommodation operators. It has often led to curtailed opening hours and reduced menus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34NEDOQGE5BEDLIEFJJKU2O4P4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731405886960},"content":"While other operating issues have come to the fore in recent times, most notably the industry’s VAT rate, the potential consequences of understaffing have also softened — just 14 per cent of businesses now believe it may force closure compared to 30 per cent in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mark Hilliard"}},"name":"Mark Hilliard"}]},"description":{"basic":"Fáilte Ireland research has identified a softening of difficulty in filling key hospitality roles, although staff concerns linger"},"display_date":"2024-11-13T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish chefs return to the kitchen in post-Covid bounce","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TYLXZK4QVVA2JCWWTZOXYQY5LA","auth":{"1":"32c7d46a69f080376ac7f728877d792f4bf6825a7b2ef5875c2a9ff5c4d9b8bc"},"focal_point":{"x":513,"y":367},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TYLXZK4QVVA2JCWWTZOXYQY5LA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/13/irish-chefs-return-to-the-kitchen-in-post-covid-bounce/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"GNK2AMB7ZFB7XJ7YXHG5CDP7MY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/12/autistic-cinema-manager-wins-12000-over-discrimination-in-roster-row/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IKZZD6JMAJASRBLX4DKBAWQ34E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546433},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX4FDNVMVRA27I46IXJ7TJKPNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546434},"content":"An autistic cinema manager who quit when his employer was unable to guarantee him two days off in a row following a months-long dispute over rostering arrangements has secured €12,000 in compensation for disability discrimination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XX7MMVOQRNEIBEEUNLOG5OPIHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546435},"content":"The complainant’s wife gave evidence that her husband’s manager said she “did not consider autism a disability, but a ‘superpower’,” a remark which the general manager denied making, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MFFQSWVUNCJFKE2KYYVJ7FUMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546436},"content":"The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ordered Omniplex Cork Ltd to pay the sum to Dylan O’Riordan on foot of a complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 after ruling it had failed to give reasonable accommodation for his disability.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEAI7CGIGNCIRMDPU6H7ABZS6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546437},"content":"The award was made after the tribunal heard the company was in the practice of “arranging suitable shifts” for students and pregnant workers – but made “no such accommodation” for Mr O’Riordan despite an occupational health assessment stating that he needed consistency and rest in his working week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAKL46NZV5BH3FTKCOVDI6QNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546438},"content":"Mr O’Riordan told the employment tribunal that he had suffered a “significant deterioration” in his mental health in his last months at work as a duty manager at the cinema in late 2023. He had been promoted twice since he was first hired in March 2022, but said he had reported having “severe difficulties” to his manager “on many occasions”, he told the tribunal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXR4UXLRWZBV3M7TTWZZ3B32AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546439},"content":"The tribunal heard that on a date in October last year, after a projector broke down at the cinema where Mr O’Riordan was in charge, the complainant informed his general manager that his shift was ending and he “would not be staying to assist”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNAH4UEIFVEYHPABIJCMOIU4WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546440},"content":"Ibec official Niamh Ní Cheallaigh, appearing for the employer, submitted that the general manager expressed concern for Mr O’Riordan’s mental health, referred him to the company employee assistance programme, and suggested he seek medical advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGJGNJP7XNGL5LF7L45CLD3JTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546441},"content":"In further correspondence that month, Mr O’Riordan pointed out that he had been rostered for five upcoming closing shifts, followed by one day off and a further four closing shifts in a row. He informed his employer he would not be available for the next four days and that he would be seeing his doctor, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSLA4N2Q4RBI7IW6LCY7BFWO6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546442},"content":"Mr O’Riordan then commenced a period of certified sick leave which continued from 28th October, 2023 until his resignation on 6th June, 2024, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JVI223GKZBTBK2NQMM7F7OQ54","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546443},"content":"The complainant’s wife gave evidence that she had spoken to the general manager the previous month and expressed concern about her husband “not receiving adequate rest periods between shifts”. She said the general manager’s response was to state that she “did not consider autism a disability, but a ‘superpower’,” the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVUNMS7ZUJA27FZQO7ECEAKK6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546444},"content":"The complainant’s wife said the manager’s intention might have been to highlight “positive aspects of autism” but that she considered the alleged remark “inappropriate” in the context of her husband’s difficulties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCBI54KBHJHQFI4Z5FVABIM2GI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546445},"content":"The general manager denied the remark and said she “only ever had [Mr O’Riordan’s] welfare at heart”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5NU4A3P2RA7PA5XSHEKDC5WKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546446},"content":"A meeting between the parties in November 2023 failed to resolve matters, with adjudicator Gaye Cunningham noting that there was “some disagreement about the minutes”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHWFP44YVNFONHENRC7IL4SGL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"In January 2024, Mr O’Riordan reduced a series of grievances to seeking “consistent scheduling”, “two days off to rest and recover” in his working week and to be not rostered “exclusively” on closing shifts, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEUAR5ABZREWPEX4BRWGCKZ46U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546447},"content":"An occupational health assessment was done on 29th January, 2024, Ms Cunningham noted, writing that it set out a “clear” requirement for “consistency and rest” in respect of Mr O’Riordan’s working week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPJL5W75WBDV5HQZYP24YS3LTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546448},"content":"From February to April, Mr O’Riordan and a human resources (HR) manager exchanged correspondence on rostering arrangements, but failed to reach an agreed position. He then commenced a statutory complaint by serving notice of alleged discrimination on the employer in April before resigning his employment on 6 June this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5J437NNVVFB57NTQOMNFFWZQZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546449},"content":"In her decision, Ms Cunningham wrote that the claimant had raised the inference of discrimination because even though it was common case that “pregnant employees and students” had been accommodated in rostering arrangements there had been “no such accommodation” for Mr O’Riordan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LKG6FQQ43ZFMLMCJNZB3LSGBX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546450},"content":"She noted the efforts of the company’s HR manager to come to an agreement over a “lengthy period”, but said that Mr O’Riordan’s situation “was not fully addressed” – noting in particular “the absence of certainty in relation to two consecutive days off”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFGMQG6Y7JATRAUCWM2XX5OHB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546451},"content":"Ms Cunningham upheld the complaint and concluded the company discriminated against the worker on disability grounds by failing to provide reasonable accommodation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3W6M74UMOBAWNAPCPUE2L772AM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731425546452},"content":"She ordered the firm to pay €12,000 in compensation and to hold “awareness training or workshops in an effort to introduce a positive management approach to staff with neurological complex conditions such as autism”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Employer unable to guarantee two days off in row, WRC told"},"display_date":"2024-11-12T15:40:26.655Z","headlines":{"basic":"Autistic cinema manager wins €12,000 over discrimination in roster row","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM","auth":{"1":"88240aa4194253806c0e75b146baf5726c501e4e6b332068ffa6f2a3afd81637"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/12/autistic-cinema-manager-wins-12000-over-discrimination-in-roster-row/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"IBX6EUD3CFEETE5AEQ63XUHVKE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":458,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/e622424b-b994-4569-9b4d-295c12fec829/versions/1731089066/media/36734909d6cf44e043997e195606dbdb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/11/12/vouchers-commuter-tickets-and-bikes-how-employers-can-help-their-staff-save-tax/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TKHCHOUU6VB2NO4V3XEC5UN3FE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131550},"content":"Who doesn’t want to pay less tax on their income? There are a few ways you can go about it. And, thanks to an amendment in last month’s budget, those who get an end-of-year bonus – or one at any time of year – will be able to keep more of it from January of next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UAYZ6DTG5VALNKHQWO75U7KOJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131551},"content":"But what if you don’t get such a bonus? Whether you’re entitled to a payment of some €1,500 or not, many of us may now be thinking: can we use this latest increase to reduce our overall income tax bill for 2025?","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAW4W2TYZNFSPPNGTGDPNXLYFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131552},"content":"Here, we take a look at how the scheme works.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATW2ZVFAZZCJBDZKEQ25U4TI7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131553},"content":"Small benefit exemption","type":"header"},{"_id":"IK2HLRK2JZFM5I4JW6YPRWR5JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131554},"content":"The small benefit exemption has long been used by employers to make a tax-free gift to their employees. It’s an attractive proposition, given that a cash bonus will incur a tax rate of some 52 per cent. During years when long-term wage rises were scarce, it was also a method employers used to try to keep staff onside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHOZOZGTZRGP5EWM6YX7JC5PZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131555},"content":"Approaching year end, many employees will be banking on this scheme to boost their spending power over Christmas – and pay for the gifts, booze and food that this season seems to demand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VWR3ZCB7VHHJL7GUVFQMLH2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131556},"content":"The key with the scheme is that, to avail of the tax relief, the benefit can only be used to buy goods or services, such as through tax-free vouchers or cards; it must be tangible. “They cannot be redeemed for cash,” says Revenue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG4UGOWIXBEQPGLCKFIKQNUFAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131558},"content":"Not so long ago, the exemption entitled you to just one tax-free gift of €500 a year. This changed in 2022 to €1,000, which could be paid out in two payments. Now, from January 2025, it has increased to €1,500 – and the benefit can be paid out across as many as five separate payments during a year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLCYZ5QULVAUJNVACGB3N3HYHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131559},"content":"In what may be a sign that the most recent increase was a pre-election softener, a deadline has now been put on the scheme: 2030.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNZZO7VEFJFO5HFUKQIUBO6N3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131560},"content":"Until then, however, it’s likely to be attractive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHOSJJ7EPRAFBDKVYM7QLNXKW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131561},"content":"Given the current “challenged labour market”, Liam Kenny, a tax partner with RSM Ireland, expects there to be take-up among employers of the new increase, as it presents “a tax-efficient incentive for employees”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"47EBV3I2GFDDTDICGRIWYXYDV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131562},"content":"As he points out, someone paying tax at the higher rate of 52 per cent (including PRSI and USC), would need to earn €3,125 in order to get to keep €1,500. So the benefit of the voucher is higher than just its face value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Q3XO64OK5FSZHI6RPR233BR2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131565},"content":"As mentioned, to get the tax-free benefit, the bonus must be in the form of a tangible asset, such as a gift card which cannot be transferred into cash. Revenue is quite strict on this: if you are gifted a card, such as a disposable credit card, which can be used to withdraw funds from an ATM, it won’t qualify for tax relief.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YV3YDAKLJEOHMNHLVHDQQAQZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131567},"content":"“As the gift card is redeemable, in full or in part, for cash it will not be a qualifying incentive for the purposes of the small benefit exemption,” says Kenny. Of course, you will find some vouchers ending up on a resale site such as <a href=\"http://adverts.ie/\" target=\"_blank\">adverts.ie</a>, as the owners look for a cash value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQF7QKX7QVGIDOCMRZZBQLUUNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131569},"content":"One thing to watch, notes Kenny, is where an employer inadvertently exceeds the benefit limit to an employee. In addition to the typical voucher, other benefits to employees, such as flowers for a wedding, or a hamper at Christmas time, may come under the remit of the scheme. These would then erode the top threshold of €1,500 a year, which means that someone getting vouchers of €1,500 may end up with a tax bill on part of the “bonus”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGIARZ3AUBEJ7CB2QFDQ3WMHAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131570},"content":"“It’s important for employers to carefully monitor how many benefits they give,” says Kenny.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FF7W55V7ZRB5FP7SMFKHMIOLCA","additional_properties":{"_id":"L5NY2NP4QBAX5NVZBBQUIR6W4Y"},"content":"Budget 2025 Q&A: Your PAYE tax breaks, mortgage relief and employee gift limit queries answered","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4BX3T2EWRJCDDKYHO7SY3C6Y3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131572},"content":"If you get a bonus in excess of €1,500, you might wonder whether or not you can get a voucher for part of the payment. Key to this will be whether or not the voucher part of the payment is deemed to be discretionary or not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQNJNL4PBRE3VJO5PPUUEV33BM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731081273588},"content":"As Kenny notes, “pretty much anything in a contract is a taxable emolument”. So, if your contract states you’re entitled to an annual bonus of €5,000, for example, this would be outside the scope of the small benefit exemption.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBV2LD7S75BVRO2DRHB6FB5JMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131574},"content":"If, however, such payments are offered at the discretion of your employer, you might get €1,500 through the voucher, and the remainder through payroll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QQ5ZT2L5VBBMJNFKGQR5ZGKJEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131576},"content":"Let’s say your employer typically gives you a payment of €1,000 a year. Can you carry over the unused €500 to be used another year?","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTSSH6NSNRC4PMM6FX435TCQRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131577},"content":"No, says Revenue. “Unused allowance amounts cannot be carried over,” it says. It is offered on a “use it or lose it” basis, Kenny says, again stressing that it’s at the discretion of the employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKNFFDVV65FOVMWA5TKMQUXEKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131581},"content":"But could your employer reduce your salary by €1,500 and give you this shortfall by way of tax-free vouchers? Doing so could save a standard-rate taxpayer some 20 per cent and a higher-rate taxpayer 52 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUUGXQMD7RF6JOMSR2Q3IDHZSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131582},"content":"Unfortunately, Revenue says no.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZT5RFV745GKLDL574HMPYNZZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131583},"content":"Consider the example of someone earning €51,000, who agrees to forgo €1,000 of salary in order to avail of a shopping voucher worth a similar amount.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENSAENANRZHZXATAL4BL33G35U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131584},"content":"While it might at first appear that this should be covered by the scheme – after all, it is being paid out in a shopping voucher – the person would actually end up paying income tax, USC and PRSI on the face value of the voucher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUUJNRK72FHAHAVU4GFSU5QPFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131585},"content":"According to Revenue, this is because the person received the shopping voucher as part of an arrangement they made in exchange for a reduction in their salary. “The voucher will therefore not qualify for the small benefit exemption,” it says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTONVOSLXVFVDJFRKQ33KNBRLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131587},"content":"Kenny agrees that so-called salary sacrifice arrangements will not be tolerated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U66EJEIGRRCF3OZNDGY2NENJGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131588},"content":"“If there is a perception of salary sacrifice, it will become taxable,” says Kenny, adding that the benefit needs to be offered at the discretion of the employer – and if it’s a figure that’s included in the employee’s contract of employment, it won’t be seen as being at the employer’s discretion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRARYBD4NRHDTCT4RCFYIXKG2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131589},"content":"Other incentives","type":"header"},{"_id":"YFCNQCJGAZHPPELRKAOVK2N27E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131590},"content":"While many pre-budget submissions argued for the introduction of tax relief on gym membership, perhaps as a benefit that could be paid by your employer out of your gross earnings, it didn’t come to pass.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3KZVHJSY5E6TEHJJNX5QJ42XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131591},"content":"There are, however, a number of other benefits. One of the more common methods of avoiding tax on your salary is to sign up for a transport pass via the Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme. It allows you to cover your transport costs from your gross salary, while employers can save on their PRSI costs for you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MDOJ24REZG6BI7E3MSSTXI32I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131593},"content":"It covers passes for the bus, train, Luas or ferry services provided by either State or private operators, and the savings can be substantial – between 28.5 per cent and 52 per cent of travel costs, depending on whether you’re a standard or higher-rate taxpayer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCPVUVNGHND73DO5QOYSAM2BZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131594},"content":"If you spend €500 on an annual pass, that means you could save €140 if you pay tax at the standard rate, or €240 if you’re a higher-rate taxpayer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LXVNRCLOZEVRHUPC6UZIBPPIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131595},"content":"One downside: the scheme only works on annual or monthly passes. Given the change in working habits since the pandemic, such a pass may no longer be appropriate for those of the working population operating under hybrid conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C56VNUST2NBATOYP3F6WJNJ7IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730993131596},"content":"The Bike to Work scheme is another way of saving on tax as it allows you to pay for a new bike (up to €1,250 for a regular bike, and up to €1,500 for an electric bike) out of your gross earnings. This is akin to savings of as much as 52 per cent for higher-rate tax payers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Fiona Reddan"}},"name":"Fiona Reddan"}]},"description":{"basic":"The small benefit exemption, Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme and Bike to Work scheme are all potential moneysavers"},"display_date":"2024-11-12T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Vouchers, commuter tickets and bikes: How employers can help their staff save tax","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U4Q5C3QC4A3PC3VU3GWFDOPDHA","auth":{"1":"aaa1f42a5b66a6337ac5daf198a77869f5a78323db49994bd61b8c83d401280b"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U4Q5C3QC4A3PC3VU3GWFDOPDHA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/11/12/vouchers-commuter-tickets-and-bikes-how-employers-can-help-their-staff-save-tax/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"UP43FN6DURAYRGYECNAWA2FDKM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":267,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/98240bd9-4f57-4e2d-b127-3076d8178cd3/versions/1731249059/media/f8eac49f47dec624818c55c9d4c42583_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/11/wanted-more-bosses-on-the-shop-floor/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OYTHOR4WUVDUXPAWO3OJS75HPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864194},"content":"On the day of the US election this week, I was struck by a familiar sense of anxiety, dismay and dread.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6UOTB3FMRA5NOEXWXTKX4ZCP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864195},"content":"This had almost nothing to do with the election and everything to do with my decision to spend time that day on the Financial Times’s main <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/\" target=\"_blank\">news desk</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJ5SQUY74JBLNKWTK5ODHMUYZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864196},"content":"In the interests of research, I wanted to see what the job of news editing looked like since I last worked on that desk in London many years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZOAXJFMCVDAJAXKYJ4MT57STA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864197},"content":"Clearly much has changed since. The home page is all-consuming; an entirely different team of editors handles the printed paper. But much is still the same, like the stomach-grinding anxiety about inserting an error in the rush to publish. And the heart-stopping fear of receiving a late, garbled story needing not so much editing as open-heart surgery. And the remorseless speed of the work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HKJ4WTKLJC7RJDIPZC7OQG4WU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864198},"content":"“You all right?” muttered the news editor, a man I’ve known for close to 20 years, as I faffed about trying to log in to the first morning news meeting of top editors. Flustered, I finally got the sound on as he was explaining why I was there, whereupon I thanked him and called him Tim instead of his actual name, which is Tom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASEAUSIFMZCP7GPYENRMJAUMWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864199},"content":"This was a reminder of something I had forgotten in my years away from that work. It is so much harder than it looks from the outside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDKAKCLYQ5H2XJTXEJATJZCB3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864200},"content":"The experience confirmed that business leaders who do what Boeing’s new chief executive, Kelly Ortberg, did the other week deserve much credit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHXG7R2BSRC7PDKJJENSGY6UJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864201},"content":"When Ortberg set out his plans to restore faith in the beleaguered aerospace giant, he highlighted one in particular: putting executives on factory floors as part of “a fundamental culture change”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q3K4VXHPANC2RGKBILFPWA6CSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864202},"content":"“We need to know what’s going on, not only with our products, but with our people,” he said. “We need to prevent the festering of issues and work better together to identify, fix, and understand root cause.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXUVT776K5F55CI4WGYTAO3CBU","additional_properties":{"_id":"HDRWKZWGIVCKDAJH4LS6YZRPKQ"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-40007","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"LGWKTM6HURAHBJ2LA55QKFQP4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731248133211},"content":"This seems obvious for any company, let alone one reeling from the aftermath of two fatal crashes of its top-selling 737 Max aircraft.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E74SD6RMAFERDPOQVKDOJX2SOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864204},"content":"Yet if it really were apparent, there wouldn’t be headlines whenever someone like Ortberg issues such an edict. Or Home Depot tells corporate office staff to work a full day at one of its stores each quarter, as it did this year. Or Uber’s chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, reveals he has been moonlighting as a driver, as he did last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGTQF2HCD5AVBJQG3PPMDT6U2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864205},"content":"Maybe more bosses than we hear about spend time answering customer complaints on social media, such as Greg Jackson, chief executive of the UK’s Octopus Energy power supplier. Or decide a human can adjust a car window seal faster than a robot by trying it himself on an assembly line, as Elon Musk did at Tesla.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYLU7BUDG5COFOEHQUONX2WRIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864206},"content":"But I doubt it. For one thing, few chief executives are like Musk. Also, running a business is hard. It can be easy to get caught up in the daily crossfire of drama. When Khosrowshahi was driving a customer to the airport one night, he had to ignore what the Wall Street Journal said were frantic phone calls from his chief legal officer trying to tell him the company’s network had been hacked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBM5CUGZXBFONFH6HO3Y5ALCJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864207},"content":"It also takes a lot of confidence to expose yourself to the ridicule of underlings who know more about how a job is done, especially for chief executives unfamiliar with the industry they join.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJAI63LVKNAVNLFJNRBFZDUXGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864208},"content":"But I suspect many executives shy away from the shop floor because they have succumbed to an aspect of power poisoning, or the way behaviour changes when you reach the top.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMJF66F46RBWJAWXSNRWPIBLIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864209},"content":"In this case, they think that, because they are in charge, they understand everything they need to know in order to lead well, even when they palpably don’t. Academics call this the fallacy of centrality and it can be a dismaying thing to watch. Ask any worker repeatedly asked to do something provably unworkable by a clueless boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGXAU6MOTJANHJNWGZK3KL44OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731239864210},"content":"Of course, hands-on experience alone does not guarantee success. Laxman Narasimhan did 40 hours of barista training before taking over as chief executive of Starbucks and last year said he would keep working behind the counter for half a day each month. He was ousted 17 months later. Falling sales and an activist investor will probably always beat even the finest Frappuccino technique. — Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"Too many leaders avoid spending time with workers doing the jobs the business depends on"},"display_date":"2024-11-11T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Why more CEOs need to be on the shop floor","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QWFS7LF5WH35HOU3MADZBLZQGE","auth":{"1":"2f4d858848ebf97fc197f513eaad7edccf2f1ee1f7aa37e80f37349ea5f98beb"},"focal_point":{"x":1315,"y":525},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QWFS7LF5WH35HOU3MADZBLZQGE.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/11/wanted-more-bosses-on-the-shop-floor/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"TCDHDPHCBJB33BKP7XK3IBAAUE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":350,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f2ada6aa-1e85-4e1a-9e01-ee8c8f582ea7/versions/1731253653/media/fd352348d434e8cfe87e281389332776_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/2024/11/11/workplace-survey-revealing-narcotic-addiction-most-likely-an-underestimate/","content_elements":[{"_id":"EIQHN3H67NCMPAYI34MJSYTBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905156},"content":"A suggestion in a workplace survey that 16 per cent of employees are addicted to or have an unhealthy relationship with at least one Class A illegal drug is probably an underestimate, according to the head of one of the country’s leading addiction services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKLTIVWBJJBELCS5P5LKDFU6Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905157},"content":"The 2024 Workplace Wellbeing Index, a survey of 1,000 workers and 200 HR managers across a range of business sectors, commissioned by Laya Healthcare and launched at the company’s workplace summit last week, found 29 per cent of employees reported being addicted to or having an unhealthy relationship with nicotine, 21 per cent with alcohol and 22 per cent with illegal substances, including cannabis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMVTRFLHMZBERCHMC4574EJ5XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731230038730},"content":"Sixteen per cent suggested they had a problem with their use of Class A drugs such as cocaine or heroin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"23PBJS5LEVHCRLEJFSA3CUKKMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905158},"content":"The figures were higher among men, those under 24 and those with a disability with a health condition. Managers and employees more likely to be contacted outside of ordinary working hours also reported higher percentages of drug use, with more than a quarter of some cohorts acknowledging a problem.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53OWE4XOT5FLHPX32LYOYI5Y6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731244049595},"content":"Laya’s Sinéad Proos said the findings highlighted that addiction was a “serious issue impacting on Irish workplaces”, one employers needed to recognise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PE74UGZFQFBEHJZ4EEB75EB6B4","additional_properties":{"_id":"5NP6O6665BEMRGSBX364U4DR4A"},"content":"Dublin’s crack cocaine epidemic: ‘You get a rush. You come down. And then you have to go again’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7YNCQISUCFA65NI5BNKN3Z43YU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905160},"content":"The figures are high by comparison with the most recent findings of the Health Research Board’s National Drugs and Alcohol Survey, published three years ago. That research found 7.4 per cent of all adults reported “recent or last year” use of illegal drugs while the proportion of male respondents aged between 25-34 who said they had recently used cocaine had increased more than fivefold in 17 years, from 1.8 per cent to 9.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RRV5QA67NHHFJ4VJ3WBN4JDBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905161},"content":"Eddie Mullins, the chief executive of Merchant’s Quay, a leading charity providing addiction and homelessness services in Dublin, suggests the landscape is complex with prescription and other medications playing a part too but believes all of the figures are likely underestimates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSOV4NAIEZBHFJIIRSNMPSUWEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905162},"content":"“I think there’s an awful lot of people who are habitually using drugs or trying to conceal it and hide it and a survey would fail to capture that,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWGJWBMVSBGUXCQBLGGIC7ROD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731247927811},"content":"“I’m convinced that it’s under-reported. Cocaine use is really at an epidemic proportion. We tend to focus on chronic addiction, on street drug selling and drug taking, a cohort of people who are totally marginalised,” says Mullins, a former governor of Mountjoy Prison. “But most drug users are functioning people. They go to work or they go to college and they manage to maintain a drug habit. They use drugs but it hasn’t taken over their lives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GV6VRR27WJDCBKPB2JUYQ5SR6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905165},"content":"That is not, he says, to suggest it does not affect them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FCXNXMIJUFD2XOAMO5GRYJCAKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905166},"content":"“There are days lost in work because people are feeling the ill effects of the party the night before with cocaine or whatever, and they simply don’t go to work,” says Mullins. “I actually think the new phenomenon of working from home is also making it easier for people, because you’re not under that same scrutiny … you can get up in the morning and be in bits, log on and do what you need to do while you kind of get yourself together.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4AW5ZWRGQVE2XA44OXNRSPRAK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905167},"content":"“And there are certainly people too who are using it more regularly, who are going into the toilet at work and using cocaine. So it’s a bit of everything. There’s no one particular factor in this that sticks out above another.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWIWHJF4UBEKBL4DHB3STWNHOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905168},"content":"Mullins says middle-class use is what is driving the surge in cocaine consumption in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTSCPZQI45CA7N6PDQBXQ7OEQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905169},"content":"“Young professionals, students, young people in general, don’t look at cocaine the way they would look at heroin. It’s part of your social fabric and they think it’s fine. You go, you have your line of coke, you might have a few drinks and it’s party time. But it is still [a] secret. People won’t admit to it. That’s why I think that figure is probably underestimating it now, not levels of addiction, but certainly habitual drug use.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRS6JAYWZFCYNC2GNJUTFUSSHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905170},"content":"Mullins is concerned about the longer-term mental health consequences of drug abuse, of what will happen 10 years down the line.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHP5EUYEZBBKBA4BX57V2WOT2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731230038743},"content":"But Caroline Reidy of the HR Suite, a consultant who advises many companies on issues related to their staff, has a more immediate concern — the impending Christmas party season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS2W7FS4WRFNVPJONO4QUBUZF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905171},"content":"Reidy, who will speak on Tuesday at a Legal Island-run employment conference at the Aviva Stadium about dealing with intoxicants in the workplace, says many people do not appreciate the blurred lines between work and work-related socialising.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHVBXX3IHBH3VGKEBKU7CWANLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905172},"content":"“Anything that happens in the course of your work is a work-related issue,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LANXKKZDOZH6DGQE7V27UFZ54E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905173},"content":"“If we work together and decide to go for drinks after work, you go out with a client to do an end-of-year review over drinks or, you know, the Christmas party … any of those events are an extension of work and so dignity and respect at work policies, codes of ethics and appropriate work behaviour, all kick into gear.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYLJN345BVBSJICEF45BKXHNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905174},"content":"Drug use, she suggests, is a growing source of the type of issues that arise during the seasonal spike in complaints and incidents traditionally attributable to excessive alcohol use.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WN2N7TQVGJER7OMEBTYD7XD7TA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731084905175},"content":"“If something goes wrong in terms of dignity and respect, if an appropriate comment or an appropriate gesture is made then ultimately a person can end up in trouble, including being dismissed,” she says. “There are a lot of complex and sensitive issues for employers involved and we would do a lot of investigations into allegations over the Christmas period.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"‘There’s an awful lot of people who are habitually using drugs ... and a survey would fail to capture that’"},"display_date":"2024-11-11T02:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Most drug users are functioning people. 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The claims were denied.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DE5XH2FKLFFMNII5OAGPZEWHRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The PPI, which had denied her claims, was accused by Ms Burke at a hearing in September of acting as “de facto photo Freemasons”, with a “hegemony of male members” and a “massive gender imbalance” – remarks branded “inflammatory”, “prejudicial”, and “completely irrelevant” by the trade group’s barrister.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFJZJJEZNJH6HK4G2FHMSQXEVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Burke’s case was that that a membership rule requiring PPI members to be “full-time” press photographers earning 80 per cent of their income from editorial work amounts to indirect discrimination against women on the grounds they are more likely to be working part-time, in full-time education or to have childcare or caring responsibilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMMB6HKSQRF3HPQLWIVJKPXG4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Elaine Davern-Wiseman BL, acting for PPI, urged the tribunal to dismiss the case on preliminary grounds, arguing Ms Burke had no standing as she had failed to submit a membership form, and further that the association did not provide a service to the public, and was therefore exempt from the equality legislation. It opted to present no witness testimony and relied instead on its preliminary objections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2TBNEK2DNDZ7HFGNGTROC3CWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The tribunal heard Ms Burke had entered into correspondence with the association in August and September 2023 with a view to joining. One email shown to the tribunal included its membership secretary asking Ms Burke: “If you are a full-time student, that makes you a part-time photographer?” Another showed its president stating: “I can’t progress an application for you given your status as a full-time student. PPAI members are expected to be full-time photographers.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6D2VT4LOJHKLAM2BBSUMV4A44","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Burke, who represented herself before the tribunal, said she had “tried to get clarity” from the body on what it meant by “full-time” in her correspondence, but that they “simply wouldn’t tell me”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHKBZNU4IREJFMLAWQV5MUOHAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“What they were clear about was that my being a full-time student automatically made me ineligible, and I understood that to be on the basis of hours worked,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BF2QEF7IT5GSZMHPNSXDJYJF6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"She claimed there had been a “refusal to give me proper information on what constituted full-time” and that the association was treating her “as though I was kind of like a child” – taking issue with emails suggesting she speak to her college tutor about applying and wishing her luck with her studies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2Q54U53MBBPXDP4XEUT2BIIFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Davern-Wiseman, for the PPI, said it required its members to be full-time photographers to uphold “the standards and the standing the organisation has”, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B4TOJL3U3VB6HABQ5KWZIO7LVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIL3OU3IUJHHXLUNORYITZJTQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3HBU6HNQJDZTF4OGG4DRZZT4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDAMXL5ZHRFMZGFSWUEPAAI6DY","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6JH6TCFMNHLHJ4A4N63VQWBQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a decision published on Friday, WRC adjudicator Kara Turner said she was satisfied the professional body’s activities fell within the definition of a “service available to a section of the public”. Ms Burke was entitled to pursue an equality complaint about the communications without having actually submitted an application form, as discrimination in the provision of a service “goes beyond denial or refusal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6L3HBP64FDYNCXJUAP2MXONRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Turner said the emails “undoubtedly” sought to “redirect” Ms Burke’s queries and conclude the conversation. However, the adjudicator was not satisfied there was less favourable treatment or a link to Ms Burke’s gender and concluded that Ms Burke had not drawn an inference of direct gender discrimination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETIIB4XMJVHHNKLBVKD2BXDLYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"On the further claim of indirect discrimination in the PPI’s membership criteria, Ms Turner wrote: “The email communications between the parties were not fulsome in the exchange of information and the use of the words ‘full-time’ has clearly given rise to much confusion,” Ms Turner wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZ36SEMLQND55BHX43QYNWDEFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"She wrote that Ms Burke had failed to answer questions on her working hours and income, while the PPI “made assumptions” about the complainant’s status as a full-time student meaning she was “therefore not a working press photographer”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FW2RJXYVQ5AOFELMXCNIPFR4KY","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Ms Turner concluded that the PPI had at no stage stated in its communications with Ms Burke that full-time hours were required – but that Ms Burke had “misconstrued the relevant criteria for membership”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSQIDEQU75EITE7HEKC6VMN4E4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The adjudicator declared the claims of direct and indirect discrimination “not well founded”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Norma Burke alleged Press Photographers Ireland rule requiring members to be ‘full-time’ press photographers amounted to indirect discrimination"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T15:41:09.534Z","headlines":{"basic":"Photographer who accused 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claim by a Dublin employee of An Post that she was penalised after making a complaint against a supervisor who “whacked” her chair and told her to serve a customer has been rejected by the Labour Court.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6656GFRNBRCCVCHD76BSQGGAEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836297},"content":"Veronica Dowling told the court she felt her workplace had become “unsafe and hostile” after reporting the incident to a manager who, she believed, endorsed her the supervisor’s behaviour by failing to act.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVEQCPHHLZFCPIUA76PSYIDMOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836298},"content":"Ms Dowling was appealing a decision of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) which found no basis for the claim she had been penalised for making the complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWKFNXKABRBMBA7BKPL3VOQLQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836299},"content":"The court upheld that decision and another, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/06/14/postal-clerk-wins-1000-over-joke-about-gilbert-osullivan-song-being-her-vintage/\" target=\"_blank\">in a related case</a>, in which Ms Dowling had been awarded €1,000 in compensation for age-related harassment after she said she had been mocked by the same supervisor when she was told a Gibert O’Sullivan song on the radio was “her vintage” and a number of younger colleagues laughed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLG4Z4PZNZEZBFRBMV6E5TAQ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836300},"content":"Ms Dowling took the penalisation case against An Post under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in relation to an incident at the St Andrew’s Street branch of An Post on June 5th, 2020 when she alleged her supervisor gave her chair she was in at a counter a “resounding whack” and suggested aggressively that she “serve the customer”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYNA3WYSCVD5TK2UP4SOPM7X2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836301},"content":"She said she felt alarm and shock, that the act of punching or whacking another person’s chair was threatening and unacceptable, and she took the matter up with her union.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MO72LNS4X5AD5MCITGLBNIQVZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836302},"content":"She made an official complaint against the supervisor but during the subsequent investigation by a HR manager, Kevin Cullen, a dispute arose over access to CCTV footage he suggested showed the incident was not as serious as she was alleging.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4W6S6C54V5BPFNWEJURJBUBWUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836303},"content":"She said she was told she could only view the footage if she admitted she was mistaken though a letter introduced as evidence suggested it had been put to her watching the footage might prompt her to realise she was mistaken. She said she felt she was not being listened to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPMV7UHOL5CE5DAYXIFADAZKVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836304},"content":"No agreement, in any case, could be initially reached on when and where she could watch the footage with Ms Dowling declining to watch it at the post office branch while colleague were in the building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KSZBBNJKNELJC5SFD3B75BRD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836305},"content":"She subsequently made a complaint about Mr Cullen’s handling of the case and referred the original issue to the WRC as well as reporting it to the Health and Safety Authority before the internal procedures had been exhausted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYLMLE2PQ5AZJJKQYVKOXBSSS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836306},"content":"Having taken sick leave in the wake of the incident – Ms Dowling was certified by her GP to be suffering from stress and never returned to her role – her sick pay was halved after 92 days of absence in one 12 month period, and payments were later stopped entirely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I27SPBEMVVCS3DUIG5LIP2QXLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836307},"content":"The court ultimately found, however, that the halving of the sick pay was in line with her terms of employment and its cessation came after her complaint was made to the WRC and could not therefore be considered. There was no evidence, it found, that she had been penalised for making the complaint.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQFSQKY745HWFAVOMG5JOWYGGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836308},"content":"In relation to the harassment case, the court found the age-related comments made were inappropriate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XX4QHJPXFJCAZK3PRDPL5D6QPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836309},"content":"“In this case,” the court said, “the complainant’s evidence was that she felt ridiculed and made to feel different because of her age. In reply, the respondent submits that the supervisor believed the comment to a lighthearted remark, which was made entirely off-the-cuff and without malice. He made a full and heartfelt apology to her, there and then.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3RTQ7MDJFHI7OTUPDPKDO3G2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836310},"content":"“Whether the comment was made as part of workplace banter or playful teasing is irrelevant to the impact of the comment on the complainant, which had the effect of violating her dignity at work,” the court said in its decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAC5M6IC25FVZDXHJVZA4ALK4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1731061836311},"content":"It said the appropriate remedy was compensation and felt the €1,000 the WRC had ordered An Post to pay her was appropriate. It upheld <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/06/14/postal-clerk-wins-1000-over-joke-about-gilbert-osullivan-song-being-her-vintage/\" target=\"_blank\">that decision</a> and rejected her appeal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Labour Court upholds €1,000 award, however, for age-related harassment after comment about ‘her vintage’ of music"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T12:32:36.508Z","headlines":{"basic":"An Post worker who claimed she was penalised over ‘whacked’ chair complaint has case rejected","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OFT6SU4ABL2RYSUALU4G32UMQI","auth":{"1":"60e8daeaa383cd2465e8fd238d47b73797c2620c90386e7753337b5cdc4955fd"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OFT6SU4ABL2RYSUALU4G32UMQI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2024/11/08/an-post-worker-who-claimed-she-was-penalised-over-whacked-chair-complaint-has-case-rejected/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Courts"}}}},{"_id":"6BKZCH7BPBGYFAH5IG3U57X63I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":806,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/55dae0f8-11af-4e24-9496-29ef10a6e61d/versions/1730823880/media/e96ca7c5e4c3eab0808e47de45ca54f6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3OP5VLCIRJAARBGEZEMZQJG6QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595714},"content":"“This is an extraordinary moment to take on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/google/\" target=\"_blank\">Google</a> Ireland,” says Vanessa Hartley, Google Ireland’s new boss. Despite uncertainty over political volatility, Ireland’s infrastructure deficit, securing staff for her growing business and harnessing AI, she is optimistic about the tech company’s future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7AJTL2HJFEU3MRX2D4HLUHRZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595715},"content":"From modest origins as a small search engine that began in a garage in Menlo Park in the late 1990s, Google has grown to a multinational that employs around 180,000 worldwide and dominates its sector. Around 5,000 of those staff are in Ireland, where Google first opened an office in 2003. It is now the search giant’s Europe, Middle East and Africa headquarters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJ3LGBPLM5C6PNMURZM347DLPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595716},"content":"Walk down Barrow Street in Dublin and it is clearly Google country. The company occupies several buildings – Google Docks at one end, the Foundry across the street and the newly-opened Bolands Mills at the other end, a building steeped in Dublin’s history. The last of these will house Google’s engineering centre of excellence, and hundreds of staff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHG2BSTOORDKLL2F6YQEPIUX74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595717},"content":"A few months after taking over the role from Adaire Fox-Martin, who left to head up Equinix, Hartley is ready to talk about how she will leave her mark on the company. Originally from Waterford, she is not what you would describe as a typical tech executive. Her college degree from DCU is in international marketing. And before she joined Google, she says she didn’t pay close attention to the sector – just enough to see the way things were shifting to mobile.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVCXKCGZSBGGHP5HWVGQKVGS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595719},"content":"A decade ago, Hartley was working as head of personal banking and product strategy at what was then Permanent TSB. Prior to that, she had been founding commercial director of health insurer GloHealth (now known as Irish Life Health), following stints as group marketing director at Aviva Ireland and head of current accounts and savings at Halifax.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGVSJCKRNBAOBLS2RMUYA4IERQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292604},"content":"But when the Google opportunity came up, she was intrigued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YBKAAQGMFDHZNZPNE6HMSBPWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595720},"content":"“At the time, I could see a massive shift from digital to mobile, and the potential to go and work with EMEA-based retailers on that, I just thought it was fascinating,” she explains. “It was a really extraordinary global view of the world. And the fact that, as Dublin is the EU headquarters, you’ve just got this outsize influence on what happens across the EU.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIHPTMKZ35EA5ER2AWXT736JHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595721},"content":"In her 10 years with the business, Hartley has seen a transformation in Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVTPOMJUQJFLPBB2IQNRLK2GJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292607},"content":"The company was once known for its novel approach to interviewing, often asking candidates head-scratchers such as “How many golf balls can you fit in a school bus?” and “Why are manhole covers round?”. It spawned a series of copycats, a few books and a series of online guides in how to crack the interview process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6ETP33W55FCNPSPEM2QKHVYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7NDDXNQBYBCPVP7EYNZSBT2BXY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"MLYTZV46I5BRLE7SHURYIYNTGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595723},"content":"It seems the brain teasers have gone the way of other Silicon Valley trappings, such as cinema rooms, on-site massages and unlimited snack bars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUBDATVFJVHEPF46L2DMUIDUVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595724},"content":"“We’ve stopped that. It was a little bit nonsensey, and the world has changed,” Hartley laughs. “But it was through the interview process that I met people who were the reason I came to work here: super-smart, hard-working, really kind people. And that, for me, is the essence of what Google is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXMQJRIALJBWHID3MEI5JP4BO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595725},"content":"It has been, she says, an incredible experience – six jobs across Google Ireland, the most recent looking after advertising sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. That remains her core role. Now she is heading up the Irish arm of the business at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for Google.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3XB7AUUWVCOBBMON274IWM2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":"MTGSWHUNJNEIJLRPSXQ3IM3YPE"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"TESHIJ577RG75FBTNFQVAY7D6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595726},"content":"The reason? Artificial intelligence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZT3A6SEBWZH4ZH2BBTWOCXA3WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292612},"content":"Google has been working on artificial intelligence for years, but it is no secret that the release of OpenAI’s generative AI ChatGPT caught it on the back foot. While the tech giant had been proceeding cautiously, the release of ChatGPT and the buzz it created, pushed Google to launch Bard, now known as Gemini.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVA4IUYLV5EQ5G5LTL4E2HWRKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292613},"content":"There have been some public missteps – the “glue in pizza sauce” recommendation is often used as a cautionary tale of why we shouldn’t blindly trust AI – but Google has pushed ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z22AIZZAERFXHEHRLHDWAZUKEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595727},"content":"In August, the company unveiled its new Pixel devices built with AI in mind, stealing a march on rival Apple that was still weeks away from announcing a date for the availability of its own AI technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJHAGP7VGNGSTAZVYI3GBRTVQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595728},"content":"But it is not solely about winning over consumers. Hartley sees AI as bringing big benefits to the economy here. A recent study published by Google estimated that the new generation of AI could bring a 7 per cent bump in GDP to Ireland in the coming years. Fail to implement correctly, and we stand to miss out to the tune of several billion euro.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRPBUHORFVHEVIM57R3AZHUM7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595729},"content":"Hartley wants to see that capability come to Ireland; in fact, she is making it one of her priorities in her role as head of the Irish business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXG66FSMC5FXPMKYQIIHQHJAWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595730},"content":"“Number one is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland, and that we bring it to not just our large businesses but into SMEs, making sure that we also continue to build skills for AI and that AI is accessible to everyone,” she says. “We know that there is a big opportunity for AI in Ireland. But we’re only going to realise that if we get into the hands of people who really need it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLI5BKAFWFCA7COM3NKNOTQBEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595731},"content":"That means training, into which Google has ploughed resources, and regular contact with the SME community to demonstrate the power and business benefits of the technology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TK34GFX22RG6ZD6NSR52A3FPUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595732},"content":"But it won’t be an easy task. Although people are warming to the idea of AI, there is still a reasonable level of suspicion that the technology will ultimately lead to the replacement of human jobs - something which, historically, has never been welcomed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGOENM5EBBDZ5N7POPWMUYB4ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595733},"content":"Another obstacle may be the resistance to data centres in Ireland. While our national data centre footprint has grown in recent years, there has been a pushback against their development in this country, amid concerns about the environmental impact of the facilities and grid capacity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZM4E33SABAWDAXNHMRPUIUFBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595734},"content":"Google has come up against it first-hand, with plans to expand its data centre in Dublin currently going through the courts. The initial planning application, submitted earlier this year, was for a third phase of its data centre campus at Grange Castle, a 72,400 sq m facility in west Dublin with eight data centre halls. Once fully operational, it would create 50 jobs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHCWDUKCBZAOJPI742HJTO3ZRY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GEA6ZZE4B5C6RCXV7Q7FACAHCY"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"BFTJWN6HBZCVTLUJ3BNVEEIMZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595735},"content":"But South Dublin County Council (SDCC) refused it, citing the “existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network [grid] and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data centre”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVJB4WVBUZGDZDU74J7SX75DCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595736},"content":"The case is ongoing and, as such, Hartley does not want to comment specifically about it. However, she says, the decision was a “surprise and a disappointment”, and that Google is “very invested” in the Dublin data centre.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5PUWCSBIFCRZF2UUIWUGYDLTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595737},"content":"“We have global access to data centres; every country in the world is looking for data centres,” she says. “So I’m confident that we can work with the SDCC and An Bord Pleanála to address the concerns.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"462FPPBGZ5BGZIRTPHNXG6ZT2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595738},"content":"That isn’t the only challenge Google faces. On top of the data centre refusal, the company has also found itself in the wrong side of a judgment in the US that ruled it had monopolised the online search market. It has been subject to increasing regulation in the EU, with the Digital Markets Act, the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act all seeking to regulate various aspects of its business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OR7EJVZAMRASBB43NGHUEPQBWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595749},"content":"Hartley says the company welcomes the regulation. In a previous life, she worked in banking, which is no stranger to regulation either. “I think it’s a really important moment to get the regulation right.,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YFAYGHIFFHDLELDPTU4WCEM2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595750},"content":"Some of that burden clearly falls on the Irish business, acting as a gateway between what the EU decrees and what US-based engineers are building.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5YHYVNP4FHMTJU5GD2G6HE5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292628},"content":"Talk of Ireland’s infrastructure issues have dominated the public discourse this year, and you can’t help but wonder if multinationals will reconsider further investment as a result.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXJX2WTS5BFOXFE4FDA4NYZ6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595739},"content":"She acknowledges there is work to do, but isn’t convinced there is a perception problem with Ireland, and expects investment to continue. Since Brexit, Ireland has been viewed as a gateway for US companies into the EU. Despite its problems – a housing crisis, the spiralling cost of living, anti-immigration protests – the idea of Ireland as an attractive location for investment has not waned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZXR2G5XCZEVPEUP7MQQG2LBLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595740},"content":"“I’m always struck by the optimism and the confidence in Ireland as that EU headquarters for Google,” says Hartley. “Every single large city in the world faces these challenges.” She also notes that the company is building a global centre of excellence in engineering that will be housed in Bolands Mills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG2BNEOBZBHQNH3ABHFZDZELKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292632},"content":"“We’ve already recruited more than 1,000 engineers, and will continue to do that. So there is incredible confidence that we can continue to attract the best engineers in the world, notwithstanding the fact that we know that large cities like Dublin do have challenges,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHFPRZHF6FDEDFFT5MLLH5MG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595748},"content":"“My job is going to be to work with Government policymakers to make sure we are really clear on the next five to 10 years and what we need to do in order to make sure we capitalise like we did in the 1980s and the 1990s on these opportunities that are ahead.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUMRCDAFWJHXHO2FPVYO62RJCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595743},"content":"Part of that will not only be getting the right staff in the right place, it will be keeping them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNGKTATREVDC3JOUMA4C6QMP24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595744},"content":"Amazon has broken ranks in terms of remote working, with the tech giant requiring staff to be back in the office five days a week. As yet, Google has no plans to follow suit. Not only would it be a big change to how the company works, with staff currently in the office three days per week, but it would also undermine its own message that its tools can be used to work from anywhere at any time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCAZXRPKORHUDDKA4NC3JJXJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595745},"content":"Hartley quite likes the flexibility of remote working herself, describing herself as a “massive proponent” of it. Having a young family, she benefits from Google’s policy of “work from anywhere” weeks, where staff can work from anywhere in the world, tying in family obligations with their work commitments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRIEOTHIOVFUHBYTNTEDDY2TCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595746},"content":"“We’re really happy with how hybrid’s working for us. It gives us the right flexibility in order to hire and retain the best talent. For now, I don’t see that changing,” she says, adding that it does come up in the course of conversations at professional events, but not so much in-house.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BFCLQNWXNBLXKVBHGJTMHXE2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292638},"content":"“It’s the number one question being asked. It is, interestingly, not the number one question being asked by Googlers. I think they recognise that, actually, we give them a lot of flexibility.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7LCA6G6RFEVLJLTZ25PIE5KVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595747},"content":"Part of that is being clear about the expectations around hybrid work arrangements. Hartley describes it as an adult conversation. “I see it as a leadership challenge, rather than a productivity challenge,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2PAYZMBFVFXTLGEVNHAA7Y65A","additional_properties":{"_id":"AEUEK2KYTNBRDKKF53NXUI3WQU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"QP2SGOLLXJFQZNJQIY4J7HTW5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292640},"content":"Getting that balance right, though, is crucial, and Hartley has learned how to detach from work when it is appropriate. Living in Clontarf, she is a stone’s throw from the sea, where she swims four times a week. Having three children under 12 means life is busy for the Google boss.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVUT3FDNQND4VB3O5QSYFOJH4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595752},"content":"“All I want to do when I’m not here is just to be with the kids, with them in the kitchen or on the beach. I’m very good at detaching,” she says. “I think that’s been a key learning that has come over the last 10 years. When you’re off, you’re off, and you’ve got to make sure that you build in rest time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWD5YHQMINBENOYM2MRY3G7ADA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595753},"content":"That is something she says she has picked up from younger Google staff, who can do much more purpose-driven work. “We need to learn, particularly with our Irish psyche of ‘I have to do everything’. You don’t, actually; you have to do the right things really well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCGPD52TBRG5JE24A4INR4C3RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595755},"content":"<b>CV</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFOHNRJWEFDQRFOIAKUQ7T7NJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292645},"content":"<b>Name:</b> Vanessa Hartley","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5UY4OSL3ZCHXB7CEELFD7OVVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595756},"content":"<b>Age:</b> 47","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMS6DTPK3VEZLPRMDP7QSHXA3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595757},"content":"P<b>osition:</b> Head of Google Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIJJBHNFANBK5NFO4VNED6QBGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292648},"content":"<b>Lives: </b>Dublin","type":"text"},{"_id":"SH55NAFE7JDYZELINGIEKIYJTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595758},"content":"<b>Family:</b> Married to Ross, with three children under 12","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAXLL4AXTZC5PALSIMN5WAMVNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730806292650},"content":"<b>Outside interests: </b>Sea swimming close to her Clontarf home","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPZO3B7K35B4BCBXNYFSNVHQI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595759},"content":"<b>Something you would expect:</b> She has become the de facto tech support for everyone even vaguely in her social orbit. Requests for help with Google services are common. “Can I remove their house from Google Maps?” she laughs. “You get your mam’s bridge friend called Nick, asking: ‘Can you take that picture of me down’. Which, again, is kind of funny to people who know me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVGL2QYR3VHQTHQDBIOKXLL5NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730281595761},"content":"<b>Something that might surprise:</b> She isn’t a techie at heart, which makes it all the more amusing that she heads up one of the largest tech companies in Ireland","type":"text"},{"_id":"V34BDHLQS5EGHJGCHGK7Q6ZHC4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ciara O'Brien"}},"name":"Ciara O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Waterford native is taking the helm of the search engine giant’s Irish arm at what is likely to be a pivotal moment for the company"},"display_date":"2024-11-08T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Google Ireland head Vanessa Hartley: ‘Number one priority is making sure that we bring AI to Ireland’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU","auth":{"1":"adbd2d399c7a07ec0082eab2aae9918f5a455484669c205b98ae9d12bd2ceb8d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RE3CU6VJ2NBWDDPUKEH3HYCKIU.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/08/google-ireland-head-vanessa-hartley-number-one-priority-is-making-sure-that-we-bring-ai-to-ireland/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"WR57X5KPJZET5COXAYQCDONLDM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":136,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/408073eb-0ff3-493a-b13f-a40ee225c51f/versions/1730982909/media/71ebfb6223b14a75350a8372606e9ead_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/courts/2024/11/07/cancer-survivor-brendan-ogle-to-appeal-wrc-rejection-of-claim-he-was-discriminated-against/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CGLUYME3XREOPDDEWLERENVVOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511940},"content":"Trade unionist <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brendan-ogle/\" target=\"_blank\">Brendan Ogle</a> is appealing the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/10/09/brendan-ogle-loses-disability-discrimination-claim-against-trade-union-unite-following-cancer-treatment/\" target=\"_blank\">Workplace Relations Commission’s rejection of his claim that he was discriminated against at work </a>as a cancer survivor by Unite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2SBD45Q2RCRTAKJD3LT5PHM4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511941},"content":"Mr Ogle filed notice of appeal on Thursday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PPJBC4DQR5GKBFRXNMSG3NDQQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511942},"content":"The WRC’s decision on his case was “not consistent with evidence submitted and is not good law”, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JL7YLTZRYNDF3CN2ZY6XGZYYXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511943},"content":"“It is important for me and other cancer survivors returning to work that the Labour Court adjudicates on these matters,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVFMATWHSNENBMK73C2ESTQVRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511944},"content":"Last month,<b> </b>the commission rejected claims that another union official, Tom Fitzgerald, told Mr Ogle he had been directed to write him out of the union’s strategic plan for Ireland, a plan which he then proceeded to write it up on a whiteboard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WIBAITTNJBOJMUMAFSW2ECNUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731008902750},"content":"In response to the appeal, Unite said the tribunal decision was “clear and unambiguous” and said the evidence given by its witnesses “held sway on all issues of dispute”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFDSAGQWVJDK3ISMI2MUJRRXPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511945},"content":"Mr Ogle’s account of the meeting had been likened to a scene with a “Bond villain” by one of the union’s lawyers – and was rejected as not being “plausible” by an adjudicator as the tribunal dismissed the complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EILJY6VIYVCATLDZ6CNI54KQCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511946},"content":"Mr Ogle’s case was that he was sidelined when he went back to work in the summer of 2022 after being treated for a “very aggressive” throat cancer which saw him lose four and a half stone in weight while “living off fluids for six months”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ORVNULRA7JDMBKZXEM5PX6X7AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511947},"content":"“The prognosis wasn’t good ... They throw everything at you until you can’t take any more – until I literally and physically collapsed,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZROWPELFFAEDMV4LUC6RW4U74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511948},"content":"The WRC also heard that Mr Ogle had also issued defamation proceedings against Unite’s former chairman Tony Woodhouse over remarks at union conference in Malahide in September 2022 referring to “lies that were being told” about Unite on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ALUUM5M2SZDWZDWMCL7VPN7ZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511949},"content":"Mr Ogle contended this was a reference to a Facebook post by his wife, Mandy La Combre, referring to his situation at work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQURE22PCND2DJ5UQVLFOKTRZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511950},"content":"Internal processes failed to resolve the dispute, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PIBHMKWVSRCFXF7EHSRLIGJAIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730982511951},"content":"In a statement, Unite said: “Unite will of course review any appeal lodged by Mr Ogle and follow due process in dealing with it. If such an appeal was heard Unite would have a strong expectation that the WRC decision will be upheld.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Trade unionist alleged he was sidelined by Unite after his return to work following treatment"},"display_date":"2024-11-07T19:47:19.262Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cancer survivor Brendan Ogle to appeal WRC rejection of claim he was discriminated against ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZKDEP6KQ5RKS7NSLZMVSGVYWLE","auth":{"1":"4ebbd56d3ac7b30c61582fb53f60a25138a11f4cf3c5f9bfbdfef4e6967be4b6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZKDEP6KQ5RKS7NSLZMVSGVYWLE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Courts"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2024/11/07/cancer-survivor-brendan-ogle-to-appeal-wrc-rejection-of-claim-he-was-discriminated-against/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"GVB4T2SZ6JDG7DGGPGMNQKKZPY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":350,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/dbdbe272-a883-4559-8b19-81c7272c1acc/versions/1731003300/media/943ef2d7c5fbc913cea328d76a3c056c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2024/11/07/rte-editor-says-bogus-contractor-deals-cost-her-238k/","content_elements":[{"_id":"55NS434UL5GJZLAAT2LQQEADTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098751},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OXMNOY2W2NER5PBIYVXDANPJNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1731000136622},"content":"An RTÉ editor who claimed that she was left €238,000 worse off than her permanently-employed colleagues because she was treated as an “independent contractor” for 11 years is to be given more time to consider a retrospective benefits deal tabled by the company, a tribunal has decided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLGZIYZSIZAEBEPUHI4IKPOPCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098752},"content":"The worker’s Siptu representative had described the situation as “an endless cycle of bogus contracts being forced on those in the weakest positions by those ... who had the biggest of salaries and were in the safest of jobs”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HDK3QDIP65GCBF2PVCHRVOLAHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098753},"content":"In a recommendation on a dispute raised under the Industrial Relations Act 1969 by the anonymised complainant, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), concluded that the worker should get no more than what the broadcaster had already provided for in a retrospection deal for around 100 workers agreed with trade unions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AU5EKBLVZVA6HPRCIFEMVN7624","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098754},"content":"To do otherwise could “exposé” the broadcaster to claims by the other staff “coming back and looking for money over and above that which was offered and agreed to in a voluntary consultative process”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJAYR5CIWZD2PC5Q72A3Y4WK5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098755},"content":"The complainant said she first started to work for the broadcaster in the late 2000s as an editor, receiving daily or weekly pay, engaged as an independent contractor rather than an employee.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTPISUVEM5FXPMFOCRJMMN2CPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098756},"content":"She was “simply happy to be engaged in any way by the respondent entity,” the tribunal noted. The pattern continued with a “cycle of simply renewing the independent contractor agreement”, the tribunal heard. The complainant’s position was that the situation was “not satisfactory” because she felt “unfairly treated” compared to colleagues of hers who were permanently employed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNR2QEJRBBFRHDOXNIUVCUF54Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098757},"content":"Her belief was that her engagement was “precarious” and that she could be “dropped at a moment’s notice”. She said she lost out on accrued annual leave, public holidays and sick pay, as well as the maternity benefits afforded to permanent staff of the broadcaster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PZHTTF2CNFMFAVBH5WFYFRFE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098758},"content":"She calculated that she had been left short some €238,000 over the course of more than a decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBWHTOO75NFLDKJ3GJ3GPP7PHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098759},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VDBS52OCOJCMRBKDEY6AASXVRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098760},"content":"The broadcaster’s solicitor, Louise O’Beirne of Arthur Cox, rejected the suggestion that it “knew or ought to have known that [the complainant] was anxious to be a permanent member of staff”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YOSMAESMGJA3TEUGJ5IRIWEQYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098761},"content":"A “groundswell of dissatisfaction” among staff built up against the use of so many contractors and got the backing of trade unions at the broadcaster, leading to the commissioning of a review by consultancy firm Eversheds in 2017, the regularisation of employment contracts, and an independently-prepared retrospection deal, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4ZI35TTAFBRBK6B5PCCBDWNTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098762},"content":"Adjudicator Penelope McGrath noted that after the Eversheds process, the complainant was offered a part-time contract at 60 per cent of full-time hours starting in 2019 which “reflected the pattern of engagement with RTÉ over the previous two years”, and signed it in May 2019. This was later increased to a part-time contract for 69 per cent of hours after the complainant queried the terms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHR2W6GMWRDANFUEH2CEYJTSKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098763},"content":"In 2021, there were talks to trade unions which also led to a retrospection deal being put forward in August 2022.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3P3N3ZQAOJGZLCNHT27U3EYO34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098764},"content":"The deal included the recognition of past continuous service based on the findings of the Scope assessments; top-up payments for those who would have got maternity or paternity leave from 2013 to 2019, and a variable ex gratia lump sum, the tribunal noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6GZWELWEZFCFAGMTJJGUVRCC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098765},"content":"In the complainant’s case, the lump sum was worth €10,500, either as a cash payment through payroll or an additional voluntary contribution into an approved RTÉ pension scheme, the tribunal heard. However, because she had given birth outside the window of eligibility for a maternity top-up of €5,000, she was denied this payment, the tribunal heard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OCUCGUWTZAGJAG4BVSQFDFBOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098767},"content":"The tribunal noted that the complainant “sought to renegotiate” but that the broadcaster “felt bound” by the terms of the retrospection deal — with “no wiggle room” for the complainant. The editor decided not to sign and brought a complaint to the WRC in November 2022, it was noted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XG6YE5GVGVDNBO5RBWSBSRLLTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098768},"content":"Ms McGrath wrote that while the broadcaster was a commercial entity, it was subsidised with taxpayer money and had an obligation to operate “in as lean and efficient a way as might be allowable in law”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XZMOTRWNCFH3BN42N5Y44CTEFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098769},"content":"“The situation that allowed for the use, if not exploitation, of contract workers may not have been satisfactory, but it was not illegal,” she wrote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AM7TWGHMGZE5VLRAF5XBJKJ4PA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098770},"content":"She concluded that the issue of retrospection had been considered in the discussions between management and trade union officials representing the workers which led to the retrospection deal being offered in 2021.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODJGH5M2SNFFZIHCVVDT2V4KJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098771},"content":"She noted that the broadcaster had paid €44,326.06 to the Department of Social Protection in respect of the complainant’s PRSI entitlements going back to July 2008 — calling it a “considerable benefit” to the editor that came as a result of the talks which was “retrospective in nature”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMBHEUSQ5RFMFBFDX6LXLESULM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098772},"content":"The complainant had opted in to the part of the “voluntary” process led to her getting a contract of employment, but had opted out of the retrospection deal, the adjudicator concluded. Ms McGrath said she could not see how providing the employment contract could create “backdated benefits” which were “clearly unintended”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GET5HKZQTZFUDMQRPEUK73V2JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730999098773},"content":"Ms McGrath recommended the broadcaster “extend the time for the payment of the ex gratia lump sum of €10,500 for a further 12 weeks”, and recommended the same of “other terms and conditions attaching to this sum”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"WRC gives worker more time to consider retrospective benefits deal already tabled by broadcaster"},"display_date":"2024-11-07T17:20:35.967Z","headlines":{"basic":"RTÉ editor says ‘bogus’ contractor deals cost her €238,000 ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM","auth":{"1":"88240aa4194253806c0e75b146baf5726c501e4e6b332068ffa6f2a3afd81637"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GOREUJIMGNX6LLUYVEKPCNAHCM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Media"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2024/11/07/rte-editor-says-bogus-contractor-deals-cost-her-238k/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"2JXDTGDN5JBALO26N2HG3RVE7I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":375,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/9e6b0518-4135-48aa-95e4-dcdc90e2d070/versions/1730823634/media/e02a6313052a00948fff52d0d428b767_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/07/what-monzo-millionaires-can-teach-us-about-share-options/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TGBPVK3TLBA3JGPK7SX23PGEII","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713970},"content":"Thousands of staff members at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/monzo/\" target=\"_blank\">Monzo</a>, the digital bank famed for its coral-coloured bank cards, could soon be in the pink.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SPBOIS3HXNHWFI4G3BA35VOCDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713971},"content":"Two big investors in the fast-growing fintech are set to expand their stakes by buying stock from Monzo employees who were awarded share options as part of their overall pay package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKOSMFM77ZG5XOXNRA63G7E46A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713972},"content":"The bank isn’t listed on the stock market (yet) but the price the investors are paying is estimated to create about 15 Monzo millionaires based on the number of share options some staff are holding.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDRCKPWNXJHWTCVZOO4IJIHGKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713973},"content":"Monzo employees must decide if they want to take part by the end of next week, and can sell up to 40 per cent of their stakes. As options are typically awarded every year, long-serving staff members could reap a windfall before tax equivalent to multiples of their current salary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UYWNGDU3ZF5DPHQAHR2IFNXN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713974},"content":"Share options are commonly used in the start-up world to incentivise staff with the prospect of future riches in lieu of a chunky salary. They could turn out to be worthless – never forget that many early stage companies crash and burn – but Monzo staff are not the only ones to hit pay dirt recently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2NSDW3H3ZGOFK2Q56OQYMQPZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713975},"content":"This summer, staff at newly minted bank <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/revolut/\" target=\"_blank\">Revolut </a>cashed out options worth a cool $500 million (€459 million) in a secondary sale to investors. And this week, staff at Moneybox, the savings and investment platform, were told they could sell up to 10 per cent of their holdings in a £70 million (€83.4 million) sale to new investors. Kerching!","type":"text"},{"_id":"7WQOHET7VZGCZIGESJCQ2E5QPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Twenty years ago, options were a perk that tended to be offered to the C-suite and board of directors, says Matthew Emms, tax partner at BDO, an advisory firm. It is now common for staff to be offered some kind of ownership stake, as companies recognise the power of incentivising the workforce to increase the value of a business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZCYRGHTTBCB7BAVNBXC3NKAGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713979},"content":"However, it pays to understand how options work and the questions you should ask in job interviews if they form part of your overall package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3YVMGT6P5B65C3YVGOOTGFNMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713980},"content":"Essentially, you are trading your talent and hard work for a share in the future, as yet unknown, value of the company you work for. The business will grant you the option to acquire a certain number of shares at a mutually agreed price at some future point when – if all goes to plan – they will hopefully be worth substantially more.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWDYXWYDEBFDXAEUEJ67M3BWKI","additional_properties":{"_id":"KPLGVJUZ5RBO3B4NUCIXFXGPKI"},"content":"Thinking of changing your job? It’s about more than pay and perks","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UBVUTC6X4JGJLEJNFLF54YQRUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713981},"content":"Acquiring some equity in an unlisted company is one thing; actually being able to cash in your chips and sell is entirely another. The number one thing to understand is: what’s the exit plan? What needs to happen for you to realise this future reward?","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6THFERTQBBOBNLSVRETNHX4V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713982},"content":"Your overall chances of success depend on where the company sits in the life cycle from a start-up (higher risk) to a more mature business (lower risk) and what kind of corporate event will be needed for you to exit. This could be a stock market listing, a trade sale or employees selling down stakes to larger investors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QV3RSDKJ3VEYVLKSK3IBBZ5DMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713983},"content":"Estimating the likely value of your options by that point is more of an art than a science, but what’s the timescale likely to be? If you’re working all hours earning a salary below the market rate, can you realistically stick it out for that long?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPOIQ2XMYZCFTOZLX7VUEQTOXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730821583797},"content":"Sages point out this is why you need to understand the business you are investing your career potential in before you commit, adding you will really need to love the work and the company culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOKH7B2MTZGNFAVQS576AI7J6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713984},"content":"Options are used as a retention tool – businesses spread out the rewards to avoid staff getting one big payout and then leaving. You need to know the vesting schedule and “the cliff” – the minimum period you would need to stick around to get some shares.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KXT44RTHCBHC7OBZIZ6IMGIR7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713985},"content":"For example, a two-year cliff at 50 per cent would mean on the second anniversary of your employment, half of your entitlement would vest, meaning you can exercise your option and acquire these shares. Depending on the structure your firm uses, you might have to fund this from your own resources, or you may be able to deduct your option exercise price from the eventual sale proceeds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGCP3TP7BBB7RPRNVRTCF4TSZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713986},"content":"Emms points out that, just like bonuses, options are often awarded subject to meeting certain performance conditions (your own, the company’s or both).","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GK7TLPF45BR7KG5EUO7UMV3EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730821583801},"content":"But if you cease to be employed by the company, what happens then? This will depend on whether you are a good leaver or a bad leaver (an example of the latter could be leaving to work for a competitor). Be aware that different employers will have different definitions of these terms. Note also that in recent secondary sales, existing staff have been prioritised ahead of staff who have left the business.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X54LDFIVWBEBLDUAUNWNDSVDRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"HMG4NQHXQZCVVN2UJ5RASOC4UM"},"content":"Jobs market shows signs of weakening","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KLY23G4UY5B4JE5GDQHXKP4RJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713987},"content":"If you make it to the exit and can sell some of your shares, the next question is: how much tax will you need to pay?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZNAFAZ7NBDFVJWXSNDONBSBOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713988},"content":"This will depend on the type of share options you have been awarded. Unapproved share option plans (that is, those not offered via a specific tax-advantaged scheme) will normally be subject to income tax, national insurance and universal social charge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONJRMINYCNGUXBRJ4E7DHZZXYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713990},"content":"More mature listed companies may offer staff Share Incentive Plans or Save As You Earn (SAYE) schemes, which work on similar principles. After three to five years, you can acquire shares for free or at a discounted price.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4J2MWSO35NBWFJT5MKJ24YQXP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713991},"content":"If you are weighing up two job offers against one another, it pays to know the difference. And just as salaries can be negotiated, you could also argue for a more generous allocation of options.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7B2ASOS3RALVE3F7RO2K4H3KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713992},"content":"“Go into any interviews with your eyes open, as once you’ve signed a contract, your opportunity to negotiate will be lost,” says Emms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG6B2SGRTVAHHGRBZGUSNN2GQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713993},"content":"Finally, while options are a great way of building wealth, they also carry concentration risk – too much of your fortune could be tied to your employer’s success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJHG3PFZQBBBVMKHI7ZF4P7IME","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713994},"content":"In the past, I acquired shares in Pearson, then owner of the Financial Times, via a SAYE scheme. When my options vested, I was able to buy shares for about £5 when they were trading above £10. Thankfully, I cashed out and diversified into a tracker fund before a string of profit warnings caused its shares to slump.","type":"text"},{"_id":"COYLWDCS4VCRJEAASR5NRKNOWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730815713995},"content":"If the business you work for hits a bump in the road, the plunging value of your share options could be the least of your worries if your job is at risk. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Claer Barrett"}]},"description":{"basic":"If you’re offered options as part of your pay package, what questions should you ask and what pitfalls should you be aware of?"},"display_date":"2024-11-07T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"What ‘Monzo millionaires’ can teach us about share options","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"B2GPJABDPBHRZIMF57WVO6ES3M","auth":{"1":"c33fc302e875f96d2b10d5693abe8d968f6f18d3ea530404a117e4594d2da52d"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/B2GPJABDPBHRZIMF57WVO6ES3M.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/07/what-monzo-millionaires-can-teach-us-about-share-options/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"IRIOHTR56ZGQRA3EYKSLJTVTPQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":340,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1f8c3f6f-3e6e-43ec-a51d-a0bae9dad289/versions/1730918582/media/7153b4454356f84b255d5e8fdb274538_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/irish-prison-officer-challenges-sacking-for-going-awol-to-fight-in-ukraine/","content_elements":[{"_id":"65DLDGFHSFA5DGV2NYJNBARS2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949234},"content":"A prison officer who went Awol to fight in the Ukrainian international legion was sacked after a senior official saw him give a TV interview from his hospital bed when he was severely wounded in action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTLUIIDQFNESNALRSNM7I5KH6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949235},"content":"Brian Meagher “went [off] his own back for his own principles” to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ukraine-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\">front line in Ukraine</a> and suffered “horrendous, life-threatening wounds” when a landmine exploded during an ambush on September 5th, 2022, his barrister told the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/workplace-relations-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)</a> on Wednesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLVNP46X4RFYNGCMXPH54JI2AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949236},"content":"He has lodged a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against the Irish Prison Service (IPS) after being dismissed the following spring on the basis that he had absented himself without permission and broken the terms of his employment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QL26ESKMXBGWDPIALKEINYONLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949237},"content":"The tribunal heard on Wednesday that the prison service continued to pay Mr Meagher for several months after rumours that he had gone off to war reached the prison service’s HR directorate – Mr Meagher’s lawyer explaining that his client had an “unofficial” arrangement with a colleague to cover his shifts for the duration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STBNPWFL35FHJGCJKL4KQYBM7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949238},"content":"Patricia Kelleher, who was then the assistant governor at Mountjoy with responsibility for human resources, said she had been told “towards the end of June” 2022 by a supervisor of Mr Meagher’s that the complainant “hadn’t reported for duty any day” since the start of the month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CDMKMHJFZF77EAQCNUQLNVRXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949239},"content":"Efforts by her office to reach Mr Meagher by phone got no answer, she said. The “rumour” among prison staff at that time was that he had gone to fight in Ukraine, Ms Kelleher said, which she reported in a phone call to the prison service’s HR directorate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILPP25E5YZG5RGHG5L3DAZSWQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949240},"content":"Ms Kelleher saw Mr Meagher’s appearance on an episode of RTÉ's Prime Time in mid-September 2022, speaking from hospital in Ukraine, the witness said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26NUJY5AM5HX3PPOSAMMFGVZ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949241},"content":"After that, the matter was referred to the service’s absence management office, which sent a letter on September 21st noting that Mr Meagher had failed to provide an explanation for his absence and it was “deemed to be absence without leave”, the tribunal was told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTARZCD42VDZDMF6C7ZZJUFPNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949242},"content":"“All absences have an explanation, and if there’s none, it’s Awol,” said Colette Mulvey, the official in charge of the absence management office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJPMW4NN3FBU5M7GGUUM3AB36U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949243},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBS5BKNLWZEGHE2CE3HXJPVDYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949244},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RNPGQ45AVB5PM6TPSUYJLSZYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949245},"content":"On October 7th, 2022, she said she prepared a submission to the prison service’s director general. “We’ve been paying this man from June to September. He hasn’t been at work; we’re recommending he be dismissed,” Ms Mulvey said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKRGYJZE7JC47LU4MC257OIJBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949246},"content":"“We can’t have a situation whereby people just don’t turn up – we tried to give every opportunity to Mr Meagher,” she said, adding later that Mountjoy Prison, where Mr Meagher had worked, was in “crisis mode” at the time of the absence, with prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNKNFWTZSBGWJICBL246DPR4KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949247},"content":"She said it was “disingenuous” to suggest other prison officers were covering Mr Meagher’s shifts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGKYE3UGKRA2FFEYX5MGIURMSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949248},"content":"She said during this process Mr Meagher “started providing medical certification, but we were dealing with his absence being unauthorised”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMBG5XP5LNFJJHDFCSNDDDXLYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949249},"content":"“It was tried to be turned retrospectively into a sick leave absence, but his absence was already unauthorised for three months before that,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OSJVVGLVRDEHM2MQHPN2NAX3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949250},"content":"The case was referred to the prison service director general and then to the secretary general of the Department of Justice, who ultimately decided to dismiss Mr Meagher in February 2023, the witness said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWWQ7IUMEJCNZABAZ4MKYOXIOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949251},"content":"Peter Leonard BL, for the State, said the prison service was “a very large-minded organisation” and that explanations would always be considered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2JAA6E3H5AWNEFGEX6RGKG5WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949252},"content":"“In the abstract, if someone looks at this, they might take a very positive view of someone taking part [in the Ukraine war]. In our case, we have to manage the prisons of Ireland. There’s a staff crisis in the prison service. If someone wants to leave, or take a career break... there are processes and procedures,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QREI3OZ6D5EHHNQUKQSKPVM7FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949253},"content":"The prison service was “under pressure staff-wise” and could not have the position where a prison officer “abandons” work. He submitted that Mr Meagher seemed to have been in “a contractual relationship with a military organisation to take part in the war”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQJK7LFOKNG5TPFP46HF4BALZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949254},"content":"Brian Carroll BL, appearing for Mr Meagher, said his client “went to Ukraine to fight with the foreign legion” and “went there without any remuneration... went on his own back for his own principles”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSHGCO5MUFH6FDZPXY36WVL5SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949255},"content":"He said there was an “unofficial” system of shift swaps among prison officers and that Mr Meagher “took it upon himself” to make arrangements to “manage his shift while he was away”. “You could call it naive because of his reliance on this system in the Irish Prison Service,” he added.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLARL6F7HRG4FJEZK6CJDXE7AY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949256},"content":"He said his client’s unit was ambushed on September 5th, 2022, and left him suffering “horrendous, life-threatening injuries” – a situation compounded when his client contracted a “superbug” during a stay in Cork University Hospital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZ7OH22JZJC7FCHG6NE4V7A3GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949257},"content":"Mr Meagher addressed the hearing once to confirm that he was repatriated to Ireland at the end of October 2022. He is expected to give evidence at a later stage in the proceedings, as the State bears the burden of proving his dismissal was fair in the first instance, and must present its evidence first.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QG7DSFR3ZBMXJ2PO6YXLWOBCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730912949258},"content":"Adjudicator Brian Dalton adjourned the case to a future date, to be set in due course by the WRC’s schedulers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Bourke"}]},"description":{"basic":"Brian Meagher gave TV interview from hospital bed after suffering ‘horrendous, life-threatening wounds’ during ambush on September 5th, 2022"},"display_date":"2024-11-06T17:29:15.871Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish prison officer challenges sacking for going Awol to fight in Ukraine","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"X4SYIWK2WZDPBA4AGWQMASHG6U","auth":{"1":"db4a397fdbaa8319a68946c8292de954f559d229688636e505b35671c7c1a073"},"focal_point":{"x":592,"y":339},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/X4SYIWK2WZDPBA4AGWQMASHG6U.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"World"},{"name":"Europe"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/irish-prison-officer-challenges-sacking-for-going-awol-to-fight-in-ukraine/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"IUUSMJUSMBHIJNZWEUWOSPDCXY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":163,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/65ebd5bb-6d6b-4717-bfdc-da2c72343711/versions/1730836019/media/c25a642b8bf1e4d75bfd802f96698c65_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/new-pay-deal-for-almost-50000-construction-workers-set-to-be-approved/","content_elements":[{"_id":"V4LMRYIIRNEN7PRT4LNBWK4O4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921121},"content":"Minister for State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/emer-higgins/\" target=\"_blank\">Emer Higgins</a> says she expects to be able to formally approve a Sectoral Employment Order providing for pay increases for almost 50,000 workers in the construction sector before the end of the week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGT36GHIUJFU7KQXHTLMMRNI3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921122},"content":"The pay deal recommended by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-court/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Court</a> provides for increases of 6.6 per cent over two years to about 46,600 workers but is required to be formally approved by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil</a> and Joint Oireachtas Committee for Enterprise and Employment before the Minister can sign it into effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCCJUGAWGFF23NLXXLOHUGJ6DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921123},"content":"“I need both the committee and the Dáil to note what the court has recommended and I expect that all to happen,” said Ms Higgins on Tuesday. “Assuming that all happens as expected then I will be in a position to sign the order on Thursday.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGFHDNTMRBHVFJG5KFAU3WLK7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921124},"content":"The SEO will impact both craft and general workers employed across the sector and provides for increases of 3.4 per cent in August of next year and 3.2 per cent in August of 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDRXGCG7PJAUHM4MKZJVYBHDXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921125},"content":"During the talks, the union side is reported to have sought increases of about 6 per cent in each of the two years to be covered by the deal while industry representatives are said to have offered about 2 per cent per annum.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTHSYE2BKZACZPB2JLPO6BP4RE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921126},"content":"In the deal recommended, the minimum standard hourly rates for workers in the sector would increase from €20.03 to €20.71 next year while minimum rates for craft workers would rise from €22.24 to €23.00. Lower rates for new entrants and apprentices would still apply.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3E6VFMKKY5AYLEC2LAW5FREIGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921127},"content":"Pension and sick pay contributions are also to be increased.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJ5SBDDFUNF7HOY42BFQVINIBA","additional_properties":{"_id":"CFJKGSMI6BGWZIXRFVJ3V2XP2U"},"content":"Sharp drop in productivity across Irish construction and accommodation","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BXCTKWRJOZBCPDLVEBQA6GYADI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921128},"content":"The implementation of the deal had been threatened by the imminent general election, with unions concerned in recent weeks that it might not get the required approvals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTATLA76DVDW7NANGX44K6NNUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921129},"content":"The Connect trade union, meanwhile, is to ballot about 4,500 of its members, mainly plumbers and pipe fitters, on a deal for the mechanical sector which was agreed at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/workplace-relations-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">Workplace Relations Commission</a> last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXTE34CK5JBV3EBIIHKDTRNYUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921130},"content":"The terms are similar to those contained in the SEO, with an increase of 3.4 per cent due to be implemented on May 1st, 2025, and a further 3.2 per cent on May 1st, 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVHAJBHEIFEH5BMS52GND6LLXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730833921131},"content":"The deal also includes a provision for a new higher rate for those with 10 years’ post-apprentice experience of €28.10 per hour, to come into effect from January 1st of next year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sectoral Employment Order expected to be discussed by Oireachtas and Dáil committee on Wednesday before being signed by Minister on Thursday"},"display_date":"2024-11-06T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"New pay deal for almost 50,000 construction workers set to be approved","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2VBIKAIP3ZDRTO65QEUIGK4TUA","auth":{"1":"5e9476d1e73bc9206a7531a48ffcc4ee9591dbdb7d7e7e0b3bb39a4bd1e55ccb"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2VBIKAIP3ZDRTO65QEUIGK4TUA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/06/new-pay-deal-for-almost-50000-construction-workers-set-to-be-approved/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"FIOVKG57MJEWTJSQS35FNC2WLE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":254,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/e57f4876-3686-4058-9943-3687a45a7412/versions/1730646010/media/db70ad7dd6415e95f60412b3653dc705_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/pilita-clark-the-dos-and-donts-of-the-email-introduction/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3UEXMISIXBBJ3ELQHV3R3R6VJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768946},"content":"Out of the blue earlier this year a man I have known for years sent me an email introduction to one of his work contacts that was such a striking example of the genre that it has stuck in my mind ever since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLNYSQG7M5HSXOGJ77SNWQIKUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768947},"content":"In the space of a few charming words he conveyed the brilliance of the contact, who was copied into the mail, and larded his description of me so lavishly that I barely recognised myself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QVGLNUESYNAM5HGX2HJ5PELP4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768948},"content":"He promised both of us we would have much to gossip about and would undoubtedly hit it off, all of which proved to be true when we duly caught up in person. This, I thought later, did exactly what an email introduction should do. Produce a meeting that is useful, mutually beneficial and fun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J37A4DIN3NAKZEHSLJFABFO2GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768950},"content":"So why are so many email introductions so dismal in comparison and why are some still utterly woeful?","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSPJB2R52FCVFB2PHXGDE3B7U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768951},"content":"One answer is obvious. Far too many break the basic rule that an introducer should almost always check to make sure both parties are happy to be introduced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YO5AICATAVE3VN74JHJ2OW4MEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768952},"content":"I say “almost” because, in the cheering example I’ve just cited this rule was not obeyed. It didn’t matter in this case because the introducer knew me well enough to be sure that a) I would like to meet his contact and b) I had met said contact briefly in the past. But these conditions cannot be taken for granted, which is why the check-first rule is vital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFIS72GLY5E2PAKQGJVVP37HBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768954},"content":"The perils of ignoring it were once memorably spelt out by the US organisational psychologist and author David Burkus, who early in his career began to follow some ghastly sounding networking advice to introduce two people every week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHG56QEV4VFL3JG4OYTORMAJHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768955},"content":"As he wrote in the Harvard Business Review he was soon firing off emails, including one in which he introduced a friend to a fairly well-known author with whom Burkus had once collaborated. The author promptly fired back his own message: “Not cool. Please reach out first for permission to share my contact information.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JN4V4B4QAVCYDGFLR7H4INEQEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768956},"content":"I can think of many occasions when it would have been in order to send an equally cutting message to would-be introducers at much later stages of their careers who gaily break the check-first rule.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJSDD6YMRRGCBD2SDWUJEMMOLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768957},"content":"The worst offenders are those who receive a request to do something dull and time-consuming from a contact they want to keep on side. Instead of politely declining they shoot back a reply, copying in a hapless colleague or acquaintance who they disingenuously declare would make a brilliant replacement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGF7DRTJSJCHPA2ATHCLDM5VVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768958},"content":"There really is no excuse for lumbering others with this sort of time-wasting stuff without checking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJK462VOVRD2ZOIJKCFSBJMZQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768959},"content":"Likewise if someone outside your organisation asks you to introduce them to an overburdened colleague so they can burden them further with a favour here’s what not do to: dash off a reply, copying in the unsuspecting colleague while assuring the requester that this person will be thrilled to hear from them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XBCHK6VJRAP3OMYGT5322BA7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768960},"content":"There may of course be times when things work out. But it is obviously always better, for both requester and requestee, to check beforehand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVF3UFNFBVAOXFS3HS7LDFYFUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768961},"content":"The reason this so often fails to happen is simple: it takes time that busy people never have enough of. In fact as I type these words I cannot be 100 per cent sure I have never committed these sins myself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6G5GIIVXVZA5DMUZNUKTQYDPJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768962},"content":"I’m also aware of how easy it is for people with relatively secure jobs in big organisations (like mine) to ignore perfectly reasonable requests for help from outsiders. I am reminded of this every time I go on LinkedIn, a seething hotbed of random networking introductions that heavy users tell me can be difficult to navigate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLNH4PTT4JFSRGLRH3ULLFF6R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768964},"content":"Still, this is what LinkedIn is for. The clue is in the name. Speaking of which, I have failed to mention another aspect of email introductions that for some reason causes great consternation: the best way to reply to both an introducer and a stranger. Do you address both people at the start? Or just the person you’re being introduced to? And how long do you keep the introducer in the email chain?","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZBXEJMBMNG4JGRCYEB65WLI5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730629768965},"content":"An entirely new column could be written about this but it would basically say it is pretty much fine to do whatever feels best in each situation. Just remember to never do anything to anyone that you wouldn’t like done to yourself. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHU3ZMDP7JCELCOZQ6WVMIQDKY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pilita Clark"}},"name":"Pilita Clark"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sending a ‘clunker’ to save yourself time while landing a colleague or acquaintance with extra work does no one any favours"},"display_date":"2024-11-04T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Pilita Clark: The dos and don’ts of the email introduction","native":"Pilita Clark: The dos and don’ts of the email introduction"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IWZPXA52AJBXBIWWK4RK7UVVVA","auth":{"1":"174038f24e3d6c0b3d563700ee70995cbfbf33739558350338f529b368155a76"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IWZPXA52AJBXBIWWK4RK7UVVVA.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/pilita-clark-the-dos-and-donts-of-the-email-introduction/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"BMXJ4EHWUVCVVATBOL46VV44ZU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":156,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0d26582f-bae7-486d-98d7-711d2e9af3ed/versions/1730657980/media/71c9be019ad90485c826b1e35ae81645_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/tesco-looking-to-hire-1200-temporary-staff-for-christmas-rush/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DLYYTF774ZGHFP2QRYF654BJLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100717},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesco/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesco </a>has announced plans to hire almost 1,200 seasonal staff to meet the expected increase in demand in the run-up to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/christmas/\" target=\"_blank\">Christmas </a>across its 178 stores across the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UIEDBUEGQ5BF5HXU2OA7UIRYYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100718},"content":"The company said the temporary roles were designed to offer flexible hours and a variety of shift options to make them attractive for people looking for work over the Christmas season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"35K2ZHLO6REGPGHS42EAF5QXGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100719},"content":"A spokesman said recruitment was already under way, with applicants being interviews over the next couple of weeks and the roles going live from the last week of this month. The roles available include serving customers, stocking shelves, and picking orders for home delivery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL24KLWBYNA3JND2OQ2NMQ2N7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656483132},"content":"The grocer is looking for 256 part-time staff in Dublin, with 80 or more being recruited for counties Mayo, Galway, Cork and Kildare. The numbers fall from there to as few as 10 roles in Roscommon and Longford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJ5A7K4ULJHHRE27VPMIW2VACQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100720},"content":"“Whether you’re looking for extra hours to suit your schedule or seeking new opportunities these roles offer a chance to contribute to a dynamic and supportive team,” a spokesman for Tesco said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WVD7ZFXYKBAYVAOGOA3ZP2DR34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100721},"content":"The supermarket group said festive staff would also have access to a package of benefits as soon as they start working for the group. These include access to a virtual GP and online prescription service, which is also available to family members living at the same address as staff at reduced rates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M37523CNGBBGZJUE6K4GTTNWBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100722},"content":"“We are delighted to be creating almost 1,200 additional festive roles across the country this Christmas,” said Maurice Kelly, people director at Tesco Ireland. Tesco employs 13,500 staff across the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WI3RW3KDKJGCTONPMBH2MCFXVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100723},"content":"“At Tesco we know how important it is to offer meaningful and flexible job opportunities alongside offering existing colleagues the chance to benefit from additional seasonal hours too. The festive season is a fantastic time to join our team, and we’re pleased to offer new colleagues an industry-leading benefits package from day one.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTNKWOKTV5G6FEIRBWGD4XCJ5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730656100724},"content":"Application is done online at <a href=\"https://roi.tesco-careers.com/festive/\" target=\"_blank\">https://roi.tesco-careers.com/festive/</a>. Tesco said temporary festive staff will have the chance to apply for any permanent roles that may come available if they are interested in staying on in the job.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLTYPSNAUVHZDFYXG64AMI2WEU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Supermarket group promises flexible hours and shift options in effort to attract festive staff for 178 stores"},"display_date":"2024-11-04T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tesco looking to hire 1,200 temporary staff for Christmas rush","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EJC5U7HRKBG4ZJEDPFLIRIP5GY","auth":{"1":"d0f33961555bcd47ce15678a320df2b28a8441923e829b1c6f3bd51372413a71"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EJC5U7HRKBG4ZJEDPFLIRIP5GY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/04/tesco-looking-to-hire-1200-temporary-staff-for-christmas-rush/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"5DF46KA3DJH2TKQCBANUMOKHRY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":336,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8d648945-4098-4c7f-8151-e342fb2e78b3/versions/1730381307/media/59a250a2767e8d810f5429ac6b0deb9a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/03/standing-in-the-donegal-rain-sunny-malta-sounded-appealing/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OE5JOOCP75B5XOZO6XXM5MC2MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726512},"content":"Castlebar-born solicitor Fiona Healy was standing in Letterkenny bus station on her way home from a funeral in November 2010. It was a miserable winter’s evening and the rain was pouring down when her phone rang. It was her cousin Brendan calling from (sunny) Malta to tell her about a job on the island he thought she might be interested in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUND4FANSRE7NFDTKGKPYMSUL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726513},"content":"At the time, Healy was working in a small legal practice in Dublin, mainly doing conveyancing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4E2WNPEY4VG6VDQAY4L5VMXXLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842156},"content":"“The recession had hit, my workload had diminished significantly and the thought of moving to a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mediterranean/\" target=\"_blank\">Mediterranean</a> island with 300 days of sunshine was very inviting,” says Healy, who had previously spent three years with McCann Fitzgerald specialising in commercial property.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYEZTJ2UCRFOXLGKCYVRCMRLGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726514},"content":"“Malta had just passed some innovative legislation to make the jurisdiction more attractive to airlines and they were planning a big push to bring in new registration business – much as they had done with the yacht register, which is one of the largest in the world,” Healy says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSQGIZQ25NAVHLAA3KJY7XIOAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726515},"content":"“I had no aviation experience at the time, but as the authorities there were just beginning to develop the sector it was an ideal time to educate myself and enter the market. I set up Aircraft Corporate Services on behalf of the Alpine Group, to provide legal assistance to clients for the registration of aircraft, in 2011.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVCOSMMMWVDKDLYIX7YODYNWYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842159},"content":"“I figured I would give it a few years before returning to Ireland. However, I hadn’t expected to love working in aviation quite as much as I did. Now I can’t imagine working in any other sector,” adds Healy, whose interests outside work include travel, yoga and Pilates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ3M4JV2WFDHZJ5LN3EJQGM6GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726516},"content":"Healy has now been in Malta for 13 years apart from a short stint working in Canada and the UK. “I really missed living in the Med and the variety of having different clients, so I decided to go back to Malta and set up my own aviation consultancy, FCF Assets, in 2015,” she says. “It was a risky move at the time as I had signed a lease on an apartment and set up the business without any clients. Fortunately, I had my first solo project within a month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQKFCAVGPJFEXBSGMJIVNRKITU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726517},"content":"“Business aviation is very much a global community and my contacts have been incredibly helpful. I don’t have a website and all my business is by word of mouth,” adds Healy, who lives in Sliema, about 20 minutes from the Maltese capital, Valletta,","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMEBJB724JEZ7J35HQUYUHF4FE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726518},"content":"Her job involves project-managing start-ups by business jet operators, commercial airlines (large and small), helicopter operators and, more recently, drones, and is by her own admission “very niche”. She also helps outsource partners for operating and maintaining aircraft to get established in Malta.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PD22S4RX3RBSJFW5YJQMFRXJTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726519},"content":"“I assist with business strategy and act as a conduit to the civil aviation directorate, customs and other Maltese government departments. I guide my clients through the steps required to expedite the certification of an airline and assist post-certification on a variety of issues,” Healy says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5EF62QGVFFEBKVNC67YREDFFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726520},"content":"“I am exceptionally proud of my years spent contributing to the aviation sector here, having facilitated the addition of eight airlines and 67 aircraft to the Malta registry to date. I am currently working on my ninth airline project, which I hope to complete in November. My tenth should be ready to start in Q1 of next year. When I started here there were 12 airlines. Now there are 52 and growing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YHUBFWNTERDKTD7CZS2HFLPWYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FES2UTFYHRGY5NQZQSIX2KA3NU"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"AA723NVNH5HHFPA7DMG3JWWZEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726521},"content":"Healy says the Maltese are “incredibly business minded”, pointing out that as there are no natural resources on the island they have to bring commerce in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWOEWCX76NABNEKMS5F72DWWQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842166},"content":"“Malta has successfully made itself a massive hub for financial services, fund administration, pensions and gaming and there are over 500 gaming companies on the island,” she says. “The Maltese are very good at identifying sectors that would be beneficial for the economy and that will bring in different sectors and skills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPSGLKXGTVAMDHH5HOTHYZG5NI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842167},"content":"“This was the idea behind the aircraft registration Act. The legislation also made it an attractive location for aircraft operators, not just registration, so over time it has also become more a centre for airline operations.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7MGQJWQJFCKLBARTI3T7HINM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726522},"content":"Healy says one of the big advantages of working in Malta is its compact size. “It means you have more access to those you need to talk to in order to carry out your role successfully,” she says. “When I first moved here I was able to call the gentleman who had actually drafted the aviation legislation I was dealing with if I had questions or needed any clarification.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENQ6RLY6SZCGBAFECRZOITOBDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730375842169},"content":"“I now serve on the executive committee for aviation and aerospace as part of the chamber of commerce and that gives me the opportunity to contribute to discussions on what the aviation industry needs to grow with government ministers and aviation advisory committees.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YESTL2GC4ZB65KZKC24C737TAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726523},"content":"Healy loves living in Malta. Apart from its history, rich culture and the sunshine, she cites the lower cost of living, the international focus and the ease of doing business (English is an official language) as the reasons why Malta appeals to her so much.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGM24LJKBVBCVBBK57XWWLHI64","additional_properties":{"_id":1730367726524},"content":"“There’s a very strong Irish business community here also, which is great, and there’s an easy humour between Irish people that you don’t always get with other nationalities,” she says. “I miss my family and the green spaces of home but not the driving rain in the west of Ireland that creates the green space.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olive Keogh"}},"name":"Olive Keogh"}]},"description":{"basic":"Solicitor Fiona Healy cites the lower cost of living, the international focus and the ease of doing business as reasons why she loves living on the Mediterranean island"},"display_date":"2024-11-03T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"An Irish woman in Malta: ‘I miss my family and the greenery of home but not the driving rain’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YEJRWDMSUVDUTGZCCTQHZPEY3E","auth":{"1":"fe1cecfb8d42f27227976a831d965cf44402ac814c6b46878b1f657a4807eca7"},"focal_point":{"x":785,"y":315},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YEJRWDMSUVDUTGZCCTQHZPEY3E.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Abroad"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/03/standing-in-the-donegal-rain-sunny-malta-sounded-appealing/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"DC5I3J6KKZH3NK5K65EBXW3HKE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/11/01/tech-sector-recruitment-agency-calls-in-liquidators/","content_elements":[{"_id":"663QTFFG5BFELCWVR5L45H6G6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764697},"content":"The High Court has appointed provisional liquidators to a Dublin recruitment agency that specialises in the tech sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VF2KJ4OORFHUHJCB3PAQBTYJQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764698},"content":"Mr Justice Mark Sanfey appointed Declan Clancy of Status Corporate Advisory and Barry Forrest of Forrest & Company as provisional liquidators to Allen Recruitment Consulting Ltd, with registered offices at Pembroke Street Upper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LOQCLU72VCT5IRYHHOUCDPS2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764699},"content":"It followed an application by barrister Ross Gorman on behalf of the company, whose directors are Brian Cunningham and Louise Allen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34RHOWJIKZHODPSPO77PRDCT6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764700},"content":"The company, which was set up in 2000, said it provides temporary and contract staff for multinational firms, particularly in the tech industry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4N6R5USTZA6VF6WNGOXR5ILTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764701},"content":"It grew slowly up to 2019, breaking even or making a modest profit. In January 2020, it had 16 administrative staff who placed its agency staff with client companies. At that point it placed 111 agency staff with clients.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MXMR5NXH5FYRBGN3CRVYPELII","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764702},"content":"It grew very rapidly during the pandemic, placing more than 600 people in temporary employment and had 70 people directly employed in its Dublin office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JWSW6NLGZHP5ICQLLOHF4LSJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764703},"content":"By March 2022, it had a peak agency staff of 355 but demand began to decline. The firm had warehoused a lot of debt to Revenue, which the court heard stands at some €5 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VAEWDX7VWZBNTL2WLIETBCS3EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764705},"content":"An expansion into seven European countries in recent years, along with finance for office space and local employees, ultimately proved unsuccessful, the petition said. The money loaned for that expansion was not recoverable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XWX73JF5RBKVLLI5HNNLG6IL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764706},"content":"A survival plan, in which overheads were trimmed and staff numbers cut by 50 per cent as the decline in demand for agency staff continued, failed to turn the business around. It had also entered into an instalment arrangement in 2024 to pay off the €5 million warehoused Revenue debt.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VM54ALT4IZDC5FAPJ3FEJAN624","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764707},"content":"The company was clearly insolvent and, given its current financial position, it said, it would not be in a position to pay staff for work they undertake in November.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7Z5W7EFMGNEAFLOLVCZ4NEFHK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764708},"content":"Agency staff get paid by Allen Recruitment the first week of the month after they have worked but it can be up to two months before the company is paid that money by its clients. The company is due to be paid around €1.2 million by its clients for work done in September and October this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPBO5VH7LZFP5GCR563DXGKE6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764710},"content":"If it does not pay staff their wages, clients will terminate their contracts and will not in turn pay invoices. As a result the directors made the decision to apply to have provisional liquidators appointed. The directors have informed clients of the insolvency and are working to ensure agency staff are engaged by other agencies so that they can continue to work for clients, the petition said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2J62S7RDTVBTHOSJY2PDMSTKFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764712},"content":"The directors believe if there is a fairly seamless transition, the €1.2 million it is due from clients will be paid even if it goes into liquidation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TTZS37BJ5BNHGKU33ABPUIYV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730477764713},"content":"Mr Justice Sanfey was satisfied that a controlled wind down of the company was appropriate and the appointment of the provisional liquidators with a view to conducting the affairs of the firm is the only way the assets can be protected in a proper manner. He said the case could come back to court later this month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Post-Covid downturn in demand for agency staff in tech sector crippled firm that expanded rapidly during pandemic"},"display_date":"2024-11-01T17:24:03.042Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tech sector recruitment agency calls in liquidators ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QW3UCOFZ7JHALP6D34MDPCWR54","auth":{"1":"c6d69e7a118f0a7344f17ebbe1b927a49f936c28cfce12a061b5a13aa2503969"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QW3UCOFZ7JHALP6D34MDPCWR54.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Courts"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/11/01/tech-sector-recruitment-agency-calls-in-liquidators/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"2JDJMBJZ4VCGPABHU2UIPWK6BU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/your-work-questions-answered-my-hours-have-been-cut-but-someone-new-has-been-hired-can-my-employer-do-this/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UCIEF4GBLRH7HP6VIO4TY4LK6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153549},"content":"<b>Our hours have been cut due to rising costs, according to our employer. Now we find out they are hiring a new staff member with a full contract.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5KLWPERHFFFNBAOT4RTCKFB44","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153550},"content":"<b>I thought this should not be allowed unless our employer offered the cut hours back to staff and they did not want to take them back?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSOLQFALXZHW5EA7PXJ2IWPKWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153551},"content":"While this may seem unfair based on the information to hand, it depends on the type of work this new employee has been hired to do, says independent HR consultant and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/work\" target=\"_blank\">work</a>place investigator <b>Michelle Halloran</b>, of Halloran HR Resolutions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MX4OPXXLLRHFPHED2ZZKUCZT7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153552},"content":"“If a new staff member has been hired to do the same job as the people whose hours have been cut, then certainly I would question that decision because that doesn’t seem fair,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USOULNWWDRGRZP7JFLLQKFET6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153553},"content":"However, if the new staff member has been hired to fulfil a different role to those who have had their hours cut, that would be a different story entirely, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQEC6BAEKFBTNEAAPE62LFAMOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153554},"content":"Hiring someone into a specialist role that no employee already within the organisation would have been able to perform would be valid, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYSVSFZRVZDRVK7VWN2KYZMLPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153555},"content":"“Say the employees who have had their hours cut are manufacturing operatives and the new staff member is a quality technician brought in for regulatory reasons, well then you’re comparing apples with oranges,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJA7LNUP2VGUZHBCPUUTSJWDPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153556},"content":"However, if the new employee has indeed been hired to fulfil the same role as those who have had their hours cut, “it may be advisable to raise a grievance and question the fairness of that decision”, she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTRVHMTIAFAXHB2WBAQRJQI5KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"Y2RNBWMWVRCFTNFFRHANJ4WSVY"},"content":"Your work questions answered: My employee has changed hours without permission, what can I do?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LBAYEL3M5NFU5O4JDYVKDX37BY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153557},"content":"<b>Damien McCarthy</b>, founder and chief executive of consultancy firm HR Buddy, advises seeking further information on the employer’s decision to cut hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHOTWOGFTZB6VL64QAILYAFXVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153558},"content":"“If your employer has told you that they are unable to continue employing you on your current terms and conditions of employment you always need to consider your employer’s request very carefully,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NPB72DPEJHIFIMSE53KIYP5NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153559},"content":"This constitutes a change to an employee’s contract of employment, he says, adding that any change to this contract must be agreed by the employee and the employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJDUQPDOFVG4XDBDCAQSOTWA6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153560},"content":"“They should ask their employer for details of the reduced business activity or increased costs, who else has been asked to reduce their hours of work or pay and what was the criteria for selection,” he says, the latter of which must be reasonable and applied fairly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RLRBVLU5ZRBI3D7LUVN33JKV4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153561},"content":"“If there is a downturn in business or rising costs and they don’t accept a cut to their pay or hours, their employer may make them redundant,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXZDGJC52RDELOZ3EZOJ7A7K6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153562},"content":"He suggests requesting written details of the change in working hours, including a review date, further advising to stress that any acceptance on behalf of the reader is temporary.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5DZG64YJZFVZBWL7MRBCLLKXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153563},"content":"“At the review date, the change to your contract can be reconsidered and you can ask to return to the original terms and conditions of your contract,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6ICBPQYFFGBXLII4BQNYWDC5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153564},"content":"However, if internal processes fail, employees are entitled to make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXUTCLWHHRBWZAXNY5XUUPVJTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153565},"content":"Often when an employer insists on reducing an employee’s working hours or pay, the worker may feel they have no choice but to resign, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5EFBUSGINBTZDXMV7XQFHBCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153566},"content":"In that case, “they can claim constructive dismissal because their employer has breached the terms of their contract. Before they do this, they should always get detailed legal advice as proving constructive dismissal can often be difficult,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CN7RZM4WURGYTASX6JYSD3RQ5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153567},"content":"Separately, if a worker feels that the cut to their hours is a breach of their employment contract, a case through the civil courts is another route, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQGSQIKGFJGRPFPAZGUA3BIFKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153568},"content":"However, like Halloran, McCarthy reiterates that the hiring of a new employee on a full-time contract as described may not be wrong or improper, as the role filled may be different from that of employees who have had their hours cut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECDPIG6KKBHOLHV2PR7ZVFUM5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153569},"content":"“However, if that new employee is being hired in the same job title or job role and has the same job duties, then it would appear that the reader has avenues for complaint and challenge as to how this has been dealt with,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7RE4JNKNHVCUVLBGSZSUFMRNWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730373153570},"content":"<i><b>If you have a </b></i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/work\"><i><b>work</b></i></a><i><b>-related questions you’d like to ask our team of experts, from how to deal with difficult colleagues and big workloads to career progression, you can submit your question in the form below</b></i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MWUHEYM4RCNHFUCK5HBGGFND4","additional_properties":{"_id":"SMVWXGGRJJHDTFZLTJC3QD66OE"},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"06bc6224-f5d5-4963-9384-6fe17918f72e\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack White"}},"name":"Jack White"}]},"description":{"basic":"Are employers allowed to hire a new full-time worker after cutting hours for other employees?"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T15:11:40.233Z","headlines":{"basic":"Your work questions answered: My hours have been cut but someone new has been hired. Can my employer do this?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HWHLHVCASBBP7LRTJU43EMRHMQ","auth":{"1":"6047d5c69eff5fee37b3070d617a80d68149bee55020afdb27a6e36046174184"},"focal_point":{"x":382,"y":196},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HWHLHVCASBBP7LRTJU43EMRHMQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/your-work-questions-answered-my-hours-have-been-cut-but-someone-new-has-been-hired-can-my-employer-do-this/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"PT3AW645CFH6BOGRA7YEFMZTK4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":474,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a5d73bfe-55b5-4832-82b8-4ebbe8716e32/versions/1730304322/media/2c2a38d7dea049d72ddb257454aab0b5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/from-intern-to-ceo-does-it-pay-to-be-a-company-lifer/","content_elements":[{"_id":"U2FWS6B5RRCVJOXUO5OMGKCMMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908067},"content":"“Nike has always been a core part of who I am,” said Elliott Hill when the sportswear company anointed him chief executive last month. This was not pure spin. After all Hill started at Nike as an intern.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQIVEQNV6NCCJCM7TOF4YPDXYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908068},"content":"The appointment is a vote of confidence in the “CEO lifer”, a small cohort of top executives including General Motors’ Mary Barra; Dave McKay at Canadian bank RBC; and Walmart’s Doug McMillon, who have risen through the ranks of their companies over the course of many years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYIQX6H2D5GT7EXJ4JRP2SSQII","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908069},"content":"Hill has spent his working life at Nike, except for a spell as a trainer at the Dallas Cowboys American football team. By selecting him to succeed John Donahoe, who had come from a tech background, previously leading eBay, the US company signalled a renewed focus on core products and a commitment to its culture.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMEZKNMAQVEGTBL7DMUCYDQ6WU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908070},"content":"Company lifers can bring substantial advantages to a business, says Claudius Hildebrand, co-author of The Life Cycle of a CEO and consultant at Spencer Stuart, an executive search firm. “They foster continuity and enhance morale as employees see clear pathways for their progression, which cultivates loyalty.” They have established relationships with shareholders, financiers and customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKJI2V2TZNGLPOBB3F46NJDWWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908071},"content":"The risk, however, is that executives who have spent their whole career in one company may have tunnel vision and stifle innovation due to a lack of exposure to outside ideas and influences.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WU2QPDJN3JGMVOGA5CY7YDNPDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908072},"content":"Institutional knowledge is a key asset for leaders, says Marco Amitrano, senior partner of PwC UK, who started as a graduate in the professional service firm’s Newcastle office and worked his way up to succeed Kevin Ellis this summer. He says this experience has given him the ability to understand the “organisation inside out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKHKXSJDXRBMRHRJQ442Y7ESME","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303987316},"content":"You know the culture and how it feels at every level of the firm. Employees know you understand what it takes to succeed...and that helps build trust and rapport.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XOJSDEBEU5C3PKRBFDPH6ACVQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908074},"content":"He notes that it also means leaders have stuck around long enough to see the impact of initiatives, potentially increasing accountability.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6AYHTB5JRBONNJV7JV5KVRJJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908075},"content":"Monika Hamori, associate professor of human resource management at IE Business School, says there are some instances where leaders with external experience may be more useful than those who grew up in the organisation. These might include “companies needing deep strategic changes, a turnaround, [or] companies in fast-changing industries”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2QRPOY5SZH5NCXQ4JU24GX5WM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908076},"content":"However, businesses that do appoint an outsider who lacks company-specific experience can underestimate the impact of disruption. At times these hires can destabilise the top management team and risk “bringing routines and knowledge that used to work well in another organisation but may be a complete failure in a new company context”, adds Hamori.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJG7L2DT3NCY3KCTPEH2X4Y6AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908077},"content":"Data from Altrata shows that a quarter of current FTSE 100 chief executives are externally appointed, compared with 15 per cent of S&P 500 leaders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMIWEGM4IZAF3AE3YLA3KNF2VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908078},"content":"The most common amount of time internal CEO appointments had worked at their company was between six and 10 years, according to Altrata. Among the largest US companies, 20 per cent of chief executives had spent more than 21 years at their company, while 7 per cent in the UK had been there that long. Just 1 per cent of S&P 500 CEOs had worked at the same company for more than 41 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPO6ZW4OHVB73H4PP7GS5MTXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908079},"content":"“In the US there is a substantial number of CEOs who were in the organisation for 30 years before they assumed the CEO position,” says Maya Imberg at Altrata.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6JGHAPQ6JVHD3PKXNT2GPZT7GM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908080},"content":"Most of these people would have held many different roles within their company, giving them a breadth of experience that external hires may lack. Hill, for example, has worked in more than a dozen roles at Nike, from a member of the sales team specialising in sports graphics to vice-president of global retail.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DY4OHHE3UVHAREKUE2QRM7G3ZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908081},"content":"“The world’s largest [companies] are enormous, often have products that are very different, have multiple brand names [and are in] multiple countries,” says Kimberly Whitler, associate professor of business administration at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. “Understanding the complexity of such an organisation is best if you have extensive experience in different geographies and functions.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4M4L7SEMNFDDHZA2YAMP4TUZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908082},"content":"Duncan Wanblad, chief executive of Anglo American, who has worked for the mining group for more than 30 years, points to his own experiences in “a variety of roles, and in different countries”. His career has included leading strategy and business development and positions in the company’s metals businesses in South America and South Africa, in addition to an array of engineering and projects roles earlier in his career. He says this has given him “the opportunity to work alongside and learn from diverse colleagues with a tremendous breadth of skill sets and experience”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXLL33FOUFEUPOSSWFWTRQKXZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908083},"content":"He adds: “Diverse experience is critical [for a leader], yes, but it is absolutely possible to obtain this in one company.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP2SE37LWNH6VDBWBUC3ESRD5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908084},"content":"Some CEOs seek out other opportunities to gain external experience. Roy Twite, chief executive of engineering company IMI, who joined on the company’s graduate scheme in 1988 and has worked across markets including the US, Britain and Sweden, says: “You have to find ways to experience other companies.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TIYNF75RENFADJCB6AG32AZ7RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908085},"content":"He points to his own stint as a non-executive director on the board of Halma, a technology company operating in safety and healthcare. He has also created networks, including finding mentors, and is part of a group of 11 CEOs “that get together on a quarterly basis to see if they are investing [in the] right things”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJ4FF2NI3FEJNBGOYFB6TYTYMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908086},"content":"Education is another stimulus, says Twite, who has continued his professional development at Cambridge and Harvard universities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZH4X67QTFRAWNNQNMURFDPVCUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908087},"content":"Hamori points to the importance of complementing a CEO with a top management team that has a more diverse background. “Executives with different prior industry or company affiliations could help counterbalance the skill sets of a CEO who grew up in a single firm,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NAWODDDYRDSBL4Z3RQTW2ORSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730303987331},"content":"Fresh perspectives may also come from customers or staff. Amitrano says: “Employees are often the best at challenging or seeing things differently.” With this in mind, he has established a formal shadow leadership team, made up of 12 individuals from ranks within the firm, to feed employee views into board decisions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBSDV2SVKBA3REYH7EDPJNGVJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908089},"content":"Some still argue that the best way to progress in a career is by moving around companies. More than 10 years ago Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, co-authored an article that argued: “You can’t have an agile company if you give employees lifetime contracts – and the best people don’t want one employer for life anyway.” Job-hopping is a clear way to boost salary and accelerate promotion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MO3PBCRGFGZFG75YQT4NKH54Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908090},"content":"The danger for corporate veterans, says RJ Bannister, partner at Farient Advisors, an executive pay advisory company, is that “if someone has been at an organisation for a while they might be stereotyped. You might not necessarily see them as the individual they are [but] the person they were when hired. An individual might have to leave to prove themselves.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQPN3GSDSFHGJKLCLZV6SJ6O4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908091},"content":"But CEO lifers argue that staying in a company accrues social capital and helps executives acquire the skills to navigate an organisation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCUZYBG3CRCT7IOOSXB4ZJLGXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908092},"content":"When Twite was younger he was given the simple advice to “build a career. If you get stuck and feel you’ve learnt as much as you can then think about moving.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZV56NGW3WRGODI42BDFROTWYNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730301908093},"content":"He says he has been approached by headhunters over the years but “thought [IMI] was the sort of company that would recognise [doing a good job]. If you go somewhere else you have to develop your reputation, starting again. The grass isn’t always greener.” – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Emma Jacobs"}]},"description":{"basic":"Executives who spend their career at one place can boost morale and loyalty but risk stifling innovation"},"display_date":"2024-10-31T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"From intern to CEO: does it pay to be a company lifer?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GQOOHCO2DRA6FA7UZZXZ2W3HBA","auth":{"1":"840df5aec2fd5a2f6588cdf49daf33a19dec341adade8125c8c9449f6dbfc459"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GQOOHCO2DRA6FA7UZZXZ2W3HBA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/from-intern-to-ceo-does-it-pay-to-be-a-company-lifer/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/work","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":null}}},"name":"Work"}}}},{"_id":"7B7YUEOAKVBGXND7EPFLG5USW4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":213,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e7757d80-54ed-48ed-b65f-ce1047e8487f/versions/1730319144/media/e4f76be4b086c134731d91a9a3217543_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/work/2024/10/31/more-than-50-of-companies-believe-workers-are-as-productive-at-home/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QLBLUZ4BVRDMTNKB6HYLLFZBGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048783},"content":"Almost half of companies believe it makes no difference to productivity whether their employees <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/work-from-home/\" target=\"_blank\">work from home </a>or come to the office, a survey of businesses in the capital has found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVAPV2GDQZDBJGDP2EF6D7BVNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730312588883},"content":"In the research, carried out by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-chamber-of-commerce/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Chamber</a>, 47 per cent said the location of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/\" target=\"_blank\">the worker </a>made no difference while 7 per cent said their workers were actually more productive at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVXMUL7MMNGPPFZJNOGTMWKBTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730312588884},"content":"However, 38 per cent said they felt more was done in the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OAGQHXMQ25GRTKZLDRDJ63BJIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048785},"content":"Public affairs director at Dublin Chamber Aebhric McGibney said the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/remote-working\" target=\"_blank\">remote</a> and flexible working landscape was still shifting but issues like housing shortages and traffic congestion contributed to a desire on the part of many employers in the capital to make it work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXQNO2TXZVD45GULMJ2D236D5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048789},"content":"More than a third of respondents, 37 per cent, said their businesses were “very negatively affected” by traffic congestion with a further 46 per cent saying they were “marginally” affected. The research suggests the scale of this issue has influenced their attitude towards remote and hybrid working.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M572JQTLIRHFZF5CMI43AHFHQA","additional_properties":{"_id":"OINGJAA4FRB2VAPXJGETIPE2OA"},"content":"What is the advice regarding requests for bespoke work-from-home arrangements?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"THX4YIRBS5HBBJYE3MEPMDI4UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730318474609},"content":"“There are obviously concerns about culture, collaboration and wellbeing and a lot of companies are still finding their own solutions … this may take a decade to settle, but we still see two to three days in the office generally being the norm, even if there has [been] something of a shift from two days towards three,” said Mr McGibney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MMX53OC25AE3MLNF6M7YBR6EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730312588888},"content":"Accommodation is a key issue for businesses because of ongoing labour shortages and the Dublin Chamber believes half of all new homes built in the State during the coming decade need to be in the Greater Dublin Area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AALHKTXZIZH4TKAMWUTRFMTQHU","additional_properties":{"_id":"ISGDSBIY75H3LKDCI54IWJ64VU"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-39586","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6CMPSYGZKVCRZMTYTIADJINEHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730318474612},"content":"The organisation’s survey found 51 per cent of the more than 130 companies, a third of them large employers, said housing should be the next government’s top priority immediately after the election with 39 per cent saying it should be infrastructure and transport. Public safety, business support and migration were among the other issues identified.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVCMS37EXVARLGZ2OVQSAZPDLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048787},"content":"“On housing, we want to see more housing built in commuter towns close to public transport routes and investment in that infrastructure,” said Mr McGibney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAS32757B5ABLKRIMLD5WA55JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048794},"content":"“The talk now is of 60,000 new homes a year being the target and we would argue at least half of that needs to be in the Greater Dublin Area,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTGQS5C7YJD3VGQ7FZGBQAUTKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730311048795},"content":"“Population projections for Dublin have consistently underestimated the growth of the city. So it is about planning more effectively for the growth we are going to see.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"THKI4Y57GFBMJAEOBZFUPNAI2A","additional_properties":{"_id":"BQYO5ZIJDRBB7MVRSJXGIL5Q3I"},"content":"‘Surely the company won’t force my team back into the office if they suspect we might all quit?’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"2MSNEK7JOVEX7O3JLLJWEGSMJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730318474617},"content":"Elsewhere on Wednesday, when questioned on whether the Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin\">Micheál Martin</a> was dragging his feet on the Government publishing its revised housing targets in advance of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">general election</a>, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe replied “not at all”. However, Mr Donohoe said he did not know whether the targets would be set out over the coming weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VH5DPQJRTBFGZNX2D7VULDB6YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730317221017},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has previously said he wants the targets published before going to the polls. But recent reports suggest Mr Martin has pushed back on setting them before the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ETFMYIPF5DUTMV4UWRWGYUHO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730317221018},"content":"“There is a very good engagement under way in Government in relation to it,” said Mr Donohoe. “As to whether they’ll be published in the coming days and weeks, I don’t know the answer to that ... the really important thing is that we can point to the progress that we have made in the building of more homes.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Businesses flag traffic congestion and housing as key issues, with focus on Greater Dublin 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award of €40,000 made to a prison officer almost a decade ago after a finding by an adjudication officer that his employer had failed to make the appropriate accommodations for him at a time when he was suffering from a disability has been overturned by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-court/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Court</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVDK22F2AZHYTNPJD2PTTT3N4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387966},"content":"The long-running case – which had previously been the subject of a High Court action, only to be referred back to the Labour Court – involved prison officer Robert Cunningham, who had worked in the role since 2005, first at Cloverhill and then Portlaoise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2O2TOXQENJCPLIESNBLQYYN7VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387967},"content":"Mr Cunningham had undergone back surgery in February 2015 and was subsequently found by occupational medicine specialist Dr Sharon Lim to be unfit to resume full duties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCDB3HHUQRAQ5GAFNJ6GTAXOCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387968},"content":"In a May 2015 memo, Dr Lim recommended a period of restricted duties to facilitate Mr Cunningham’s ongoing rehabilitation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBXXLADUYVHATMDAKVXLVYK33U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387969},"content":"“Going forward,” she wrote, “our opinion is that Mr Cunningham should be excluded from all control and restraint duties/training.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S7REDOMHKRAV7DXJLYX3X4K5ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387970},"content":"It subsequently emerged that when Mr Cunningham attended an appointment with Dr Lim in April of that year he brought with him various background materials in relation to his condition but did not hand over a letter issued to him three weeks previously by his surgeon, Martin Murphy, suggesting he could return to full duties but cautioning that he should initially avoid lifting weights of more than 20kg.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGDF35JNURBAJDZWMDQUILQRVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387971},"content":"Mr Cunningham, who was represented by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, was found by the court to have sought to rely on the existing medical evidence in his claim, under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, that he had a disability and that no reasonable accommodation had been provided to him by his employer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGJRIKRT2NBKLLYFPHCFQ65TVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387972},"content":"He had, in fact, been told by his superiors in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/irish-prison-service/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Prison Service</a> he could not return to normal duties if he was unfit to carry them out completely, and his options after three months of restricted duties were to take ill-health retirement or move to an administrative role that would have involved a significant drop in income.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUEHMSPVHZFVFOPERNQF2ZIZKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387973},"content":"Giving evidence at a hearing earlier this year, however, Mr Murphy said he believed Mr Cunningham was fit to return to full duties, including those involving the control and restraint of prisoners, and he had been of that opinion when he wrote the letter issued to the complainant in April 2015.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFPBA26NBVDRHFKXQMPSEZRBDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387974},"content":"“As part of the follow-up advice I gave him in 2015, I did clear him to return to work as a prison officer in an unrestricted fashion, but did give him some common-sense advice,” he said. “My advice today remains the same as in 2015.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMO3EWXPH5DZJH7F7HX4KAKIRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387975},"content":"He said he had performed similar surgery on a number of people who worked in areas that required physical exertion such as athletes, firefighters and other prison officers, all of whom had returned to work without restriction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZGAMJEXFZFQ3BDOTLTZOKORAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387976},"content":"Asked whether he was familiar with the demands involved in applying control and restraint techniques, he said he was, that he was a black belt in judo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F223QYRZIVBIFNYBA4OWXUVBVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387977},"content":"Dr Lim confirmed she did not receive Mr Murphy’s letter, but said her opinion regarding Mr Cunningham’s inability to resume full duties would not have been different if she had been aware of its contents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IDC5GJD5LZFATKZ4O24LGTNJWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387978},"content":"In her decision, the court’s deputy chair, Louise O’Donnell, said the burden of proof was on Mr Cunningham to establish he had a disability during the relevant period, and he had not provided any medical evidence of this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JTVRAZ23NF3JEP2OIHZ522GRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730055387979},"content":"Although the two medical experts to provide testimony, both called by the respondents, disagreed, the court found “that applying the balance of probabilities to the information before the court, that the complainant has failed to establish that he had a disability at the relevant time, and therefore his complaint must fail”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Emmet Malone"}},"name":"Emmet Malone"}]},"description":{"basic":"Long-running case involving prison officer Robert Cunningham was the subject of a High Court action before being referred back to the Labour Court"},"display_date":"2024-10-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Award of €40,000 to prison officer almost a decade ago quashed over lack of evidence of disability ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SXCY622Q6JXZNSKGSNJZDXOQSQ","auth":{"1":"61247efa9a531fb78108d863a7ff189ee42ae954fb62f86432d593c60f72725f"},"focal_point":{"x":237,"y":122},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SXCY622Q6JXZNSKGSNJZDXOQSQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Work"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2024/10/30/award-of-40000-to-prison-officer-almost-a-decade-ago-quashed-over-lack-of-evidence-of-disability/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"HQYLUJJVKVEFFI23PLVAPUCZ7U","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":426,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/ae125735-47cd-4dde-a9e3-5374965586fe/versions/1729770465/media/82d6b01524adceca1586ab61a47948f0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2024/10/29/pension-changes-have-caught-company-directors-on-the-hop-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work/","content_elements":[{"_id":"F5FWCQ6IZNEERA72B2VZN7FZXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136673},"content":"It was good (for some) while it lasted but the Government has moved to close a loophole, which allowed company directors to significantly increase how much they could fund their <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pension/\" target=\"_blank\">pensions</a> – and gain tax relief in the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3UEEJBOZBF7PIG4XASYLIK3AU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136674},"content":"Earlier this month, the Finance Bill, which now looks set to be enacted over the coming week due to an impending <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>, introduced some notable changes to pensions. While the move to increase the standard fund threshold (SFT) – the upper limit on the size on pension fund availing of tax relief that a person can have – had been flagged well in advance, the decision to tighten up the funding of PRSAs may have caught some on the hop.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6V6KCAPHJCPFJSTJSPFHGINYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136675},"content":"So, what are the changes and how will they impact (wealthy) pension savers?","type":"text"},{"_id":"54JHKSNLKJG2XBAMEDA5TDNZNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136676},"content":"PRSAs and business owners","type":"header"},{"_id":"CE74JK3SKFEGJAA4UEZM3N2E24","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136677},"content":"Back in 2022, the Finance Act changed the rules so that employer contributions to a PRSA no longer triggered benefit in kind. In addition, no limit applied on the amount of employer contributions that could be made – up to the overall standard fund threshold for an individual of €2 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4S5WILOABEPLKTGAPVIRZ3VAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136678},"content":"“The unrestricted funding model clearly put the PRSA at a competitive advantage compared to others,” says Fergal Roche, financial planning manager with Davy Private Clients.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2RQU25ZJND6DOKX6SLRIALNNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136679},"content":"Before this, once a contribution surpassed age-related limits – for example, 25 per cent of gross salary for people aged between 40 and 49 – the employee would be subject to BIK.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2YDOI2PW5CNHG4FPOHV22RIGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136680},"content":"With employees still bound by the upper earnings limit for tax relief – €115,000 a year – the big benefit was for business owners, who were able to use the change to substantially boost their pension funding, gaining tax relief in the process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VR2I4Q7XFED3KKXAJ5AAYVY7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136681},"content":"Tony Delaney, chief executive of financial advisers Sys Financial, says it was “very valid” for the Government to bring in the change, as it offered an incentive for company owners/directors, who contribute to economic growth, to fund their pensions in a year in which they could afford it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGJ6DDDSGBCHHMPUXVPQQSJATI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136682},"content":"However, he concedes that it did lead to some “aggressive tax planning”. “They probably didn’t think it out enough,” he says of the Government’s decision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"75SRKGWOI5HSVJ5IVK7L5WBXUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"BXQKFW3IU5GSRAMB6UQ6K6VJ2Y"},"content":"The Irish Times view on raising the pension tax threshold: a retrograde move","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CJM3VMMQJRFM5KZXF6KTZYJ7CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136683},"content":"Revenue chairman Niall Cody told the Dáil in May this year that he was “concerned about some practices” under the new rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKHJ3XII7NFV7JGLLTZEFCG7MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136684},"content":"One example cited was a director of a company, who employed one of his children on the minimum wage, and then created a PRSA and funded it with €1 million. Or a wife could be hired on a salary of €5,000 and her pension bumped up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CFJFRVYEBNGULP4PIA4NKPNPOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136685},"content":"While such practices may have been legitimate strictly in terms of how the legislation was worded, as Delaney notes, he says Revenue may not have considered such employments to be bona fide, and a director seeking to extract money tax efficiently from their companies in such a manner may have run into difficulties on this front.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XECCCS7R5AFTAGPFJLQRRICAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136686},"content":"Changes","type":"header"},{"_id":"YRSZ6YMQ7RBPHLU3EKGCPR2IYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136687},"content":"This year’s Finance Bill includes a provision that, once enacted, means that employer contributions to PRSAs will be restricted to 100 per cent of an employee’s income drawn from the business in that same year. Anything over this will be subject to benefit in kind.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKQ6GXD5OZEI5JBBPCOKQBZXW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136688},"content":"In effect, this means that a director drawing a salary of €100,000 will be able to match this with a pension fund contribution. Above that €100,000 limit, anything will be treated as benefit in kind and taxed in line with normal income tax rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YEMKPSLVVEVHP26KB7JLWJQ2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136689},"content":"As Roche adds, the new approach also operates on the basis of “use it or lose it”. Business owners who cannot afford to fund their pension in one year will not be able to back-fund their retirement fund and will lose out on eligible tax relief for the year in question.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AYVBG3QBDVDPDJ7AGGSMM72D6U","additional_properties":{"_id":"B5SSVS2K55BINNBRNVF4KOI2R4"},"content":"In your 30s? It’s time to get serious about your pension","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UPSGQW2OW5H6LMBGDGNLXOR6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136690},"content":"It is undoubtedly a sharp reduction on the benefit that was previously in place but, as Delaney notes, it is still “very attractive” compared with what an employee is entitled to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCZY32FOWFD7PBVJYQYEPLFW5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136691},"content":"It will, however, likely spur a move away from PRSAs for many business owners. “This is likely to curtail the use of PRSAs as the pension structure of choice for some individuals, particularly business owners,” says Roche.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GZYN5HTYNGBFGGL72D2ABCP3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136692},"content":"What to do?","type":"header"},{"_id":"H55VHUTOPJCTBF6O4O5IZGTPPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136693},"content":"Given the impending restriction, some business owners may rush to bump up their pension now before the Bill is enacted. But, says Roche, it’s not the only choice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGUIH7AQBJGBXIKHEDAG5K3EP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136694},"content":"“There are solutions out there which should be able to deliver the same outcome, with a few tweaks,” he says, citing a master trust, which generally allows for a much larger contribution from business owners than other pension products.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPNIFDLQGFAV5IWIOAKXO47IAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136695},"content":"“It could be very significant again,” he says, adding that it will “definitely allow more than 100 per cent [of salary]”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NSHHTP64DJER7OTTNJT7A3TWHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136696},"content":"It won’t, however, allow for uses that run counter to the spirit of the rules, as happened with the unrestricted funding of PRSAs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVIG5MIF6ZBKDMZAAFZ7NBUUQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136697},"content":"“With the new rules in the PRSA, it won’t allow substantial contributions for those on low salaries,” says Roche. Under a master trust structure, the further away from retirement you are, the lower the amount you can put in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7ZC4MAYNRCNVNJE4JFP2CBTHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136698},"content":"Standard fund threshold","type":"header"},{"_id":"KM5U2FP3JRFVTFC3ICO35SRFMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136699},"content":"It wasn’t the only change in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/budget/\" target=\"_blank\">budget</a>. Amid strong lobbying from interested parties claiming that top public sector jobs were no longer viable unless the pension cap was removed, changes were set out to the standard fund threshold (SFT).","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4G7NUMWCRDUNIBCMGBQD4LZGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136700},"content":"Until now, this threshold limited tax-relieved pension savings to €2 million. Once a person’s pension fund went past this figure, they were charged tax, at 40 per cent, on the excess. According to Delaney, this resulted in a “penal” effective tax rate of 72 per cent on anything above this as you were taxed again at the marginal rate when the pension income was drawn down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SI47Y6EEVVCHNAFMMU65GDTISU","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136701},"content":"Of course, some would argue that it is a lucky few who get to worry about this penal tax, given the average Irish pension fund has just about €100,000 in it. As Delaney notes, opting to change the exit tax regime – which wasn’t done but which has been mooted in the since published Report of the Funds Sector 2030 – would have benefited a lot more people than changes to the SFT.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YM3TOLIYLBBLZBNZLSXLEVPWNM","additional_properties":{"_id":"R7NXLEOOBRESVKRXZXBGSHY5UY"},"content":"What income does a €100,000 pension pot give you?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CF3JUUERX5EGTLL65PUSPPLZ3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136702},"content":"In any case, the SFT is now set to rise to €2.8 million by 2029, and on an annual basis thereafter in line with increases in earnings. As Roche notes, given the impact of wage inflation, “it could be above €3 million in 2030″.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4N4AVKS5ZCELEP3SUB6GNHHOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136703},"content":"For Delaney, this is a “very positive” decision. However, the tax on the chargeable excess tax will remain at 40 per cent – pending a review by 2030. “It would have been great to see them reduce that,” he says, citing a possible fair figure of 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GV5JLAU55AUHI2PSSKHW5HMGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136704},"content":"“I’d be very happy paying 20 per cent on something that had grown tax free for me,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJBTU2KY4VD47HVF73TBML62QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1729764136705},"content":"For those who may still be at risk of the excess tax, Delaney advises that “it’s how you draw down the benefits that will be absolutely crucial”. He notes that someone in poor health, who didn’t need to draw down their pension, could end up paying this out tax free to their spouse in the event of their death.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7P75IMSEFEK3ECM642SOQECJY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Fiona Reddan"}},"name":"Fiona Reddan"}]},"description":{"basic":"The Finance Bill tightens rules on open-ended employer contributions to PRSAs"},"display_date":"2024-10-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"New pension rules have caught company directors on the hop. What are they and how do they work?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BWD256OCUJHK3DEZEVZ3Y2IN2I","auth":{"1":"d5df9e194d285c5bba0a5c184529f5774b9e1303c09c631995c4f13e4c289cbb"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BWD256OCUJHK3DEZEVZ3Y2IN2I.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Work"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2024/10/29/pension-changes-have-caught-company-directors-on-the-hop-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"EGYXV75GBNHR3BCSOBJSMMEDEE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":263,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1e7f0128-df47-4e6b-9c6f-c97a16d9243f/versions/1730146716/media/00f2f3a52fe75041ebae8ad53d2c6844_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/health/2024/10/28/government-working-on-deal-to-pave-way-for-recruitment-of-more-kenyan-nurses/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TMNNYUTF4JHRLJBMHQJG5IGO3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174637},"content":"Ireland is set to attract more nurses and midwives from Kenya into the health system as a result of an agreement being developed between the two countries, Minister for Health <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/stephen-donnelly\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Donnelly</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJM6DQ5QTNHHLLVKPCBQTSMKKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174638},"content":"The Minister said he was aware that the loss of key health personnel could be an issue for less wealthy countries but the two governments would work on a deal that would be ethical and in line with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/world-health-organisation\" target=\"_blank\">WHO</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/oecd\" target=\"_blank\">OECD</a> guidelines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YMFP3DUIUBDJTH3OIZ65GBUBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174639},"content":"Under growing financial pressure in recent years, the Kenyan government has struggled to provide employment opportunities for many of its healthcare graduates and was recently obliged to cut public spending across a range of areas in order to secure additional funding from the International Monetary Fund.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5JNX4CDXJCPXCUOAJADZM7XFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174640},"content":"The UK signed an agreement with the country that allowed for greater movement of workers in 2021 and Germany followed suit last month. There have also been agreements with Austria and Saudi Arabia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XL2X22B77BBIHPTBHTISSPP6YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174641},"content":"“I am aware that there have been worrying global trends in workforce migration in recent years, which have seen higher income countries benefit disproportionately from the mobility of health professionals, while the benefits to the country from which they migrate may be comparatively less,” said Mr Donnelly as work on the Irish agreement with Kenya was announced on Monday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLWM5G2Y6BFYZFPOYYCQSIZRIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174642},"content":"“By working together with Kenya, in line with our shared principles and WHO-OECD guidance on best practice, we can inform a new generation of fair and ethical bilateral agreements on health workforce migration,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AM3KLO7ZXZELDCAGOCJW6CMEEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174643},"content":"In a statement, the Department of Health said “the aim of this collaboration of Irish and Kenyan officials will concentrate on workforce planning in the health sector by addressing nursing and midwifery shortages in Ireland while investing in the ongoing development of these professions in Kenya. The bilateral agreement will contribute to augmenting the global nursing and midwifery workforce in a managed and sustainable way.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4C7NRUEGJ5BARGJZVHYC6X2P4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174644},"content":"Nursing shortages in Ireland remain significant and the Parliamentary Budget Office projected earlier this year the country will need an additional 13,000 by 2041 to maintain current ratios.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LI42CQJSRVCXZEGBD4RNORDBWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174645},"content":"To achieve the figure, it suggested, Ireland will have to educate or import about 2,000 extra nurses annually. Mr Donnelly said increasing the number of training places remained a priority for the Government and said progress had been made in the area to date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCKT3NF6YVAX3LTJS62UATDAVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174646},"content":"“Ireland is committed to developing a sustainable domestic health and care workforce, including nurses and midwives. We’ve made significant progress in expanding the number of undergraduate places. Ensuring we retain our graduates and provide attractive career pathways is a priority for me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6R7PCTNWBE4TI3CQBBC2X6KTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174647},"content":"Three-quarters of more than 6,000 nurses and midwives registering in the Irish system for the first time last year were educated abroad, however, with more than 3,000 coming from India.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3KWUGT2WVAQNGQSE7S3HYW5TI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174648},"content":"The health sector, meanwhile, accounted for almost a third of the 30,174 work permits issued by the Government in the first nine months of this year. At 9,907, the amount of work permits issued to health workers was almost twice the number granted in the tech sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7CTJ4QKGFDFVJWHSX25V3LUMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730130174649},"content":"Just over 10,000 permits across all sectors were granted to workers from India while those from Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Ghana – all countries in which the recruitment of nurses to Ireland has grown in recent years – accounted for 750, 776, and 288 respectively. 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