Know your legal entitlements if you're facing redundancy. Statutory payments, notice periods, and your next steps.
You're entitled to a statutory redundancy payment if you have at least 2 years' continuous service (104 weeks), are aged 16+, and are in employment that is insurable under the Social Welfare Acts. Part-time workers qualify if they meet the service threshold.
The statutory lump sum is calculated as 2 weeks' pay per year of service plus 1 bonus week. Weekly pay is capped at €600 per week for statutory purposes (even if you earn more). This payment is tax-free.
Many employers offer packages above the statutory minimum — typically 3-6 weeks per year of service at actual salary (not capped at €600). Enhanced payments above the statutory minimum may be subject to tax, but there are significant exemptions:
Your employer must give you minimum notice based on your length of service. Your contract may specify longer notice — the longer period always applies.
| Service Length | Minimum Notice |
|---|---|
| 13 weeks – 2 years | 1 week |
| 2 – 5 years | 2 weeks |
| 5 – 10 years | 4 weeks |
| 10 – 15 years | 6 weeks |
| 15+ years | 8 weeks |
Redundancy must be genuine — the role itself must no longer exist. If you're selected for redundancy due to pregnancy, trade union membership, age, disability, or any protected ground, this may be unfair dismissal. You can bring a claim to the WRC within 6 months.
If 5+ employees are being made redundant within 30 days, your employer must follow collective redundancy procedures: notify the Minister for Enterprise, consult with employee representatives at least 30 days before the first dismissal, and consider alternatives to redundancy.