Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it? · Ireland

Direct answer

Whether you are owed severance depends on the country, the reason for dismissal and your length of service — a legal minimum in many countries, a collective agreement in others, and sometimes only what you negotiate. What is common everywhere: get the calculation in writing, do not sign a waiver, and check before the deadline. Your trade union (ICTU) (ictu.ie) knows the collective agreement and calculates for members; Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (0818 80 80 90) enforces an unpaid severance like unpaid wages; Legal Aid Board / FLAC (0818 615 200) gives free advice if you are not a member.

Call firstYour trade union (ICTU)

Report toWorkplace Relations Commission (WRC)

If that failsLegal Aid Board / FLAC

🗣️ What to say

"My employment ended on [date] after [years] of service by [dismissal / redundancy]. Under [law / collective agreement] I am entitled to severance of [amount / formula]. Please pay it with the final salary and send the calculation in writing."

🪜 Step by step

Find the basisLaw, collective agreement or contract. Your trade union (ICTU) tells you in one call which applies and the formula.
Ask for the calculationYears of service, salary basis, any caps. Errors are common — in the employer's favour.
Do not sign a waiverA settlement can include severance; a "final settlement" form can waive it. Read before signing.
Unpaid: Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Payment order or labour court, like unpaid wages. Short deadlines after the end of employment.
Tax and benefitSeverance may be taxed favourably and may delay unemployment benefit; ask before you agree the timing.

📇 All contacts

Your trade union (ICTU)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.ictu.ie

Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Unfair dismissal, wages, discrimination — 6 months to lodgeWithin 6 months of the dismissal or breach📞 0818 80 80 90 🔗 www.workplacerelations.ie

Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200 🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie

District Court — small claimsClaims up to €2,000 without a solicitorWhen the other side is not a landlord under RTB rules🔗 www.courts.ie/small-claims

❓ Frequently asked

I was on a fixed-term contract

End of a fixed term is not a dismissal, but some countries pay a fixed-term premium or end-of-contract indemnity. Ask Your trade union (ICTU).

They say I was dismissed for misconduct

Serious misconduct removes severance in many countries — which is why employers allege it. Contest the ground; see the dismissal page.

Redundancy: is there a minimum?

In most countries yes, by years of service; collective agreements often add more, and a social plan more still.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💰 Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it?