Code Of Practice Launched For Protecting Persons Employed In Other People’s Homes

Irish Minister for Labour Affairs Mr Tony Killeen, launched the Code of Practice for Protecting Persons Employed in other People’s Homes.

Speaking in Ennis where he launched the Code Minister Killeen said: “Across all sectors of employment we have to be vigilant to stamp out any exploitation of our workforce, particularly those most vulnerable. It is important therefore that workers entitlements are spelt out and clearly understood. I believe this Code is a major step in achieving this with both workers employed in other people’s home and their employers knowing their rights and obligations.”

The Code of Practice follows from agreement by the parties to the Framework Social Partnership agreement, Towards 2016, on the need for special measures to support the employment rights of those people who are employed in the homes of others.

It was agreed in Towards 2016 that the Labour Relations Commission should be asked to develop this Code of Practice.

“I want to thank the Labour Relations Commission who I understand worked closely with Congress and with IBEC in developing the Code,” the Minister said. “This code is extremely relevant to both employers and those employed in their employer’s homes. It provides a comprehensive framework for an agreed understanding of rights and responsibilities for the protection of those who can, potentially, be very vulnerable workers,” stated Minister Killeen. The Minister made clear that he is taking steps to ensure that the Code is widely available, particularly to those employees to whom its provisions apply.

“I am asking the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) to include the Code in the arrangements it is making to give greater visibility to the employment rights of workers,” the Minister said. “I will also ensure that the Code is made available to workers employed in other people’s homes where such workers may have contact with the Employment Permits Section of the Department.”

“To facilitate NERA’s monitoring of compliance with the employment rights of such workers, I intend to include in the Employment Rights Compliance Bill, currently in preparation, a provision enabling the NERA to apply to the District Court for a warrant to enter a private dwelling to carry out an inspection where the owner refuses permission,” the Minister concluded.

(CD/SP)