Ireland's WRC publishes its 2025 Annual Report

At a glance

• The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has published its annual report for 2025, showcasing a substantial 44% increase in complaints made to the service.
• The number of hearings processed by the WRC dropped from 9,054 in 2024 to 7,727 in 2025, highlighting administrative challenges for the WRC.
• Employers should be aware of a growing trend toward employment litigation in Ireland. 

Ireland’s WRC is an employment tribunal dedicated to hearing employment law claims, conducting mediations, negotiating industrial relations disputes and conducting workplace inspections. The 2025 Annual Report showed an increased demand for adjudication services from employees, as well as greater activity in the area of mediation. The data reflects a workplace environment in which employees are increasingly likely to bring claims against their employers.

The key statistics: A steady increase in litigation

The WRC received 10,559 complaint applications in 2025, representing a 44% increase compared to the previous year, comprising 19,068 sub-complaints (up 28%).

The increase in litigation becomes even more apparent when analysed alongside previous reports; in 2024, 7,316 complaints applications were submitted and in 2023 only 6,100 complaint applications were submitted.

The most common claims raised by employees against their employers were:

This data suggests that the principal areas of employment law risk remain consistent, but the likelihood of those risks crystallising into formal litigation has increased significantly. 

Prior to adjudication, parties are presented with the option of partaking in mediation. The WRC recorded a 16% increase in the use of this service, with 1,034 mediations taking place.

Systemic pressure: Adjudication demand outpacing capacity 

Difficulties in handling both increased volume and increased case complexity has resulted in median waiting times to receive a hearing rising from 133 days in January to 174 days by December. Once heard, the median wait time to receive a decision was 39 working days, within the WRC's target of 40 working days. The number of decisions issued fell from 2,712 in 2024 to 2,506 in 2025.

Enforcement trends: From inspection to prosecution 

Inspection activity remains a central pillar of WRC enforcement. In 2025, 5,145 inspections were conducted, identifying breaches in 1,775 cases. Notably, 223 prosecutions were brought, with an 82% success rate. The WRC continues to demonstrate a clear willingness to escalate matters where non-compliance with employment law is detected. 

Takeaways for employers

Employers should anticipate a higher likelihood of claims and ensure that effective internal HR processes are in place prior to claims occurring. Extended timelines for WRC complaints should be factored into litigation strategy.