WRC Claim Ireland | Workplace Relations Commission | How to Make a Claim
Filing a WRC claim?
This site is not a solicitor’s practice and the WRC Claim Preparation Pack is not currently available; to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. See the WRC Claim Pack →
Last updated 9 October 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the body in Ireland that handles employment disputes — from unfair dismissal and discrimination to unpaid wages and working time breaches. If you believe your employment rights have been violated, you can bring a claim to the WRC. This guide explains the process and how a solicitor you instruct can help.
Key points
- Most WRC complaints must be made within six months of the alleged breach; an Adjudication Officer can extend this to 12 months only if you show “reasonable cause” for the delay.
- You can use the WRC’s online complaint form and you do not need a solicitor to do so.
- The WRC offers free, voluntary mediation, which goes ahead only if both sides agree.
- Hearings are public by default and decisions are published on the WRC website.
- A decision can be appealed to the Labour Court within 42 days.
What Types of Claims Can You Bring to the WRC?
- Unfair dismissal — requires 12 months’ continuous service (with exceptions)
- Constructive dismissal — where you felt forced to resign
- Discriminatory dismissal — based on a protected characteristic
- Unpaid wages or holiday pay
- Working time breaches — rest periods, maximum working week
- Breach of employment contract
- Redundancy disputes
- Protected disclosure (whistleblowing) claims
Time Limits for WRC Claims in Ireland
This is critical — most WRC claims must be filed within 6 months of the alleged breach. In exceptional circumstances this can be extended to 12 months. Missing the deadline means you lose the right to claim, so act quickly if you believe you have a case.
How to Make a WRC Claim
- Submit a complaint form online at workplacerelations.ie
- Your employer is notified and given an opportunity to respond
- The WRC schedules a mediation or adjudication hearing
- An adjudicator hears both sides and issues a legally binding decision
- Awards can include compensation, reinstatement, or arrears of pay
What Happens After You Submit a WRC Complaint
When you complete the online complaint form you can ask for mediation. Mediation is voluntary, free and confidential, and goes ahead only if both you and your employer agree. If it is not used or does not resolve the dispute, the complaint goes to an Adjudication Officer.
Hearings and decisions
Under the Workplace Relations Act 2021, WRC hearings are held in public by default. An Adjudication Officer can direct that a hearing is held in private, or that a decision is anonymised, where there are “special circumstances”, such as sensitive medical information or allegations of sexual harassment. Recording a hearing is not permitted. Written decisions are published on the WRC website, so parties’ names may appear in them.
Appealing a decision
A WRC decision can be appealed in writing to the Labour Court within 42 days of the date of the decision. If no appeal is made in that time, the decision is binding and can be enforced through the District Court. For related guidance, see our guides on unfair dismissal, workplace bullying and harassment and writing a grievance letter to your employer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a WRC complaint after the six-month limit?
Possibly. An Adjudication Officer may extend the time limit to a maximum of 12 months from the last alleged breach if you can show “reasonable cause” for the delay. Do not rely on an extension; submit your complaint as early as you can.
Is mediation compulsory at the WRC?
No. Mediation is voluntary and goes ahead only if both sides agree. The WRC describes the service as free and confidential.
Will my name be published if I make a WRC complaint?
Hearings are public by default and decisions are published on the WRC website, so names may appear. A hearing can be held in private, or a decision anonymised, only where the Adjudication Officer finds special circumstances. Concern about reputation alone is not enough.
How long do I have to appeal a WRC decision?
You have 42 days from the date of the decision to appeal in writing to the Labour Court.
Do You Need a Solicitor for a WRC Claim?
You are not legally required to have a solicitor, and a WRC complaint can be brought without one. A solicitor can help you prepare your case, but this site is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. You can find a regulated solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory, or join our no-fee waiting list to be told when solicitor services are available again. The WRC Claim Preparation Pack is not currently available.
Get the WRC Claim Preparation Pack — not currently available →
WRC Claim Services
Related: Three big Irish compliance regimes hit employers in 2026 — Auto-Enrolment Pensions, the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Karshan contractor ruling. See your solicitor guides to the 2026 deadlines →
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