Statement of Core Terms of Employment (Day-5 Statement)

A statement of core terms of employment, often called the Day-5 statement, is a written statement Irish employers must give new employees at the start of their employment. The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 requires employers to give each new employee a written statement of core terms within five days. In this service, a solicitor would prepare a compliant statement for your business that you can issue to each new starter, together with a note on the further terms that must follow within one month.

What’s included

• A statement of core terms of employment (Day-5 statement) for your business
• Ready to issue to each new starter
• A note on the further terms that must follow within one month
• Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
• Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
• A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards

Who this is for

• Employers taking on new staff who need a compliant Day-5 statement
• Small businesses without an HR function
• Employers who have been issuing full contracts late and want to meet the five-day rule
• Businesses reviewing onboarding paperwork

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. A solicitor would then prepare the Day-5 statement for your business.
4. The completed work is delivered to you by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Day-5 statement cost in Ireland?

This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

What is the five-day rule for employment terms in Ireland?

Employers must give new employees a written statement of certain core terms within five days of starting, such as pay, expected hours and the duration of the contract if it is temporary. Further terms must follow within a longer period.

Is the Day-5 statement the same as a full contract?

No. It covers the core terms required within five days. A fuller written statement or contract covering the remaining terms must follow, and the note included explains what is needed.

For more on employment law for Irish employers and employees, see our Employment Law in Ireland hub.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.