How to Make a WRC Complaint in Ireland: Time Limits and What Happens Next

Most complaints about employment rights in Ireland — unfair dismissal, discrimination, pay, working hours, redundancy — go to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). It's free to complain and you don't need a solicitor, though many people use one for complex cases.

1. Check your deadline first

You must complain within 6 months of the alleged breach, such as the date you were dismissed. The WRC can extend this by a further 6 months only if you show reasonable cause for the delay — don't count on it. Use our WRC time limit calculator to see your dates.

2. Try to raise it with your employer

Use your employer's grievance procedure where you can, and keep copies of emails, letters, payslips, rosters and your contract. Write down dates while you remember them.

3. Complain online

Make the complaint on the WRC's website. You must choose the specific employment law each complaint is made under, so take care — a complaint under the wrong Act can fail. Unfair dismissal generally needs 12 months' continuous service; discrimination complaints have no minimum.

4. The hearing

• An adjudication officer hears the case, in person at a WRC venue or remotely.
• Hearings are generally held in public, and decisions are published, except where there are special circumstances.
• Evidence may be given under oath or affirmation, so prepare as you would for court.

5. Appeal

Either side can appeal to the Labour Court within 42 days of the decision. After that, the decision is binding and can be enforced through the District Court.