A new Irish Bill is to be introduced to regulate the use of agency labour in the country, which includes employment in the construction industry.

The Employment Law Compliance Bill is expected to have a major impact on construction following the planned establishment of a National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) to police the measures.

NERA will have powers to inspect and investigate companies, and employers will have a legal duty to employees to display notices advising them of their employment rights.

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Failure to comply with regulations may result in company directors being held personally liable for offences. They could find themselves landed with fines of up to £200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years on conviction.

David Fagan, partner in the Eversheds law firm, told the Contract Journal: "This Bill is aimed at ensuring employers comply with the existing legislation."

Fellow partner Joanne Hyde said construction had been nominated as one of the key targets for the employment rights authority: "This could prove onerous. It is dramatic in terms of criminalising offending employers."

(PR/JM)