If you believe you were dismissed without a fair process or without a fair reason, you can bring a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission. Most employees with 12+ months’ service are covered.
The single largest ground for complaint in 2025 — almost 3,300 unfair dismissal claims, 17% of everything the WRC received, according to the WRC's own 2025 Annual Report — the Commission received 10,559 complaint applications in total in 2025, up 44% on 2024.
6 months from the date of the contravention (extendable to 12 months for reasonable cause) — Section 41(6)/(8), Workplace Relations Act 2015
Fee
None — the WRC does not charge to bring or hear a complaint
Governing law
The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2015
Generate your unfair dismissal letter now
Your letter cites Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977–2015 and Section 41 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015. Free preview — €9.99 to download the clean, submission-ready PDF that accompanies your WRC complaint form.
Am I covered if I have less than 12 months’ service? +
Usually not under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, which generally require 12 months’ continuous service — but there are exceptions (pregnancy, trade union membership, and other specific protected grounds) where no minimum service applies. If you’re unsure whether an exception applies, a solicitor or Citizens Information can confirm.
How long do I have to bring this complaint? +
Six months from the date of the contravention under Section 41(6) of the Workplace Relations Act 2015. If you're close to that deadline, an extension to 12 months can be sought under Section 41(8) where reasonable cause for the delay can be shown.
Is there a fee to complain to the WRC? +
No — filing a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission is free. WRCLetter.ie charges €9.99 to generate your accompanying letter; the WRC itself charges nothing to bring or hear your complaint.
What happens after I submit my complaint? +
The WRC may offer mediation if both parties agree, or the case proceeds to an adjudication hearing before an Adjudication Officer. In 2025 the WRC issued decisions within a median of 39 working days.
Other grounds for complaint
Have more than one issue with the same employer? You can cite multiple grounds in a single letter — start with whichever applies to you.