Redundancy in Ireland: Your Rights, Entitlements and How to Claim (2026)

Last updated 9 October 2026. General information only, not legal advice.

Being made redundant is stressful and disorienting. But in Ireland, the law provides important protections for employees facing redundancy — including statutory redundancy pay, notice entitlements, and protection against unfair or sham redundancy. This guide explains your rights and what you’re entitled to if you are made redundant in Ireland in 2026.

Work out your entitlement: use our free statutory redundancy calculator to see your lump sum in seconds.

What Is Redundancy?

Under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967–2014, a redundancy situation arises where an employee is dismissed for reasons unconnected with the individual employee. Redundancy occurs in situations such as:

• The employer has ceased or intends to cease carrying on the business
• The requirements of the business for employees to carry out particular work have diminished or ceased
• The employer decides to carry out the work with fewer employees
• The employer decides the work can be done differently, requiring fewer people or different skills

Statutory Redundancy Pay in Ireland

If you are made redundant, you are entitled to a statutory redundancy payment provided you have at least 2 years of continuous service and are aged 16 or over. The formula is:

• 2 weeks’ pay for every year of service (including part years) + 1 bonus week
• Weekly pay is capped at €600 per week for the purposes of the calculation

For example, if you have 5 years of service and earn €600 per week or more: (5 × 2) + 1 = 11 weeks × €600 = €6,600 statutory redundancy payment.

Notice Entitlements on Redundancy

You are also entitled to notice of redundancy. Your statutory minimum notice under the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts is:

• 1 week’s notice for 13 weeks to 2 years’ service
• 2 weeks’ notice for 2–5 years’ service
• 4 weeks’ notice for 5–10 years’ service
• 6 weeks’ notice for 10–15 years’ service
• 8 weeks’ notice for 15+ years’ service

Your contract may provide for longer notice — you are entitled to whichever is greater.

Collective Redundancy

Where an employer with more than 20 employees in an establishment proposes a set number of redundancies within 30 consecutive days (5 or more where 21–49 are employed, 10 or more for 50–99, 10% or more for 100–299, and 30 or more for 300+), specific collective redundancy rules apply under the Protection of Employment Act 1977. The employer must engage in a minimum 30-day consultation period with employee representatives and notify the Minister for Enterprise before the first dismissal takes effect.

What Is an Unfair or Sham Redundancy?

Not every redundancy is genuine. A redundancy may be unfair if:

• You were selected for redundancy based on a discriminatory reason (e.g., pregnancy, trade union membership, exercising a statutory right)
• The selection criteria were applied unfairly or inconsistently
• There was no genuine redundancy situation — the employer simply wanted to get rid of you specifically
• You were not considered for alternative positions within the organisation

If you believe your redundancy was unfair, you can bring an unfair dismissal claim to the WRC within 6 months of the date of dismissal (this can be extended by up to a further 6 months only where there is reasonable cause for the delay).

Enhanced Redundancy Payments

Many employers offer enhanced (above-statutory) redundancy payments, particularly in settlements. If you have been presented with a settlement or enhanced redundancy package, our Employment Settlement Agreement template is a self-complete document. This site is not a solicitor’s practice, so for independent legal advice before you sign, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Notice of Redundancy, Who Pays and Tax

If your employer proposes to dismiss you for redundancy, you should receive a Notice of Proposed Dismissal for Redundancy (Form RP50, Part A). If you want to leave before the notice ends, tell your employer in writing using Form RP6; leaving during the notice period without your employer’s agreement may affect your entitlement to a redundancy payment.

Your employer is the first point of payment. If they do not pay, you can claim from them using Form RP77 and, if needed, take a complaint to the WRC. The Department of Social Protection can pay only where your employer signs the application (showing they cannot pay) or the WRC has confirmed the redundancy. Statutory redundancy pay is tax-free. Some employers pay more than the statutory amount. See our guides to making a WRC claim, pregnancy rights at work and what an employment contract must contain.

For employers: our Redundancy Letter Pack is an editable document you complete yourself. It is not legal advice and does not include review by a solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to claim statutory redundancy pay?

You must make a claim within 52 weeks of the date of dismissal. In exceptional circumstances this can be extended to 104 weeks.

Can I be made redundant while on maternity leave?

A redundancy that is connected to your pregnancy or maternity leave is automatically unfair. You retain the right to return to your role after maternity leave. You can only be made redundant while on maternity leave if it is a genuine redundancy situation affecting your role specifically — and even then, you have enhanced protection.

What if my employer is insolvent and cannot pay my redundancy?

Where an employer is insolvent and cannot pay statutory redundancy, you can apply to the Department of Social Protection’s Insolvency Payments Scheme to recover your statutory entitlements.

Is statutory redundancy pay taxable?

No. The Workplace Relations Commission states that a statutory redundancy payment is tax-free. Any extra (enhanced) amount your employer pays may be treated differently, so check with Revenue or a regulated professional.

What if my employer does not pay my redundancy?

You can claim from your employer using Form RP77 and, if necessary, take a complaint to the WRC. The Department of Social Protection can pay only where your employer signs the application showing they cannot pay, or the WRC has confirmed the redundancy.

Can I leave early during my notice period?

You can notify your employer in writing using Form RP6, but leaving without your employer’s agreement may affect your entitlement to a redundancy payment, so get the agreement in writing first.

Get Legal Advice on Your Redundancy

If you’ve been made redundant, or are being offered an enhanced redundancy package, an employment solicitor can help. This site is not a solicitor’s practice. To find a regulated solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory, or join our no-fee solicitor service waiting list. Also see our unfair dismissal guide if you believe the redundancy was not genuine.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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