Paddy Power in Rest Break Furore in Ireland

By Simon Wright, Last updated Mar 1, 2021

Paddy Power have come in for some harsh criticism in Ireland for not facilitating adequate rest breaks for staff. With the Mandate Union in Ireland being of the view that it’s members are set to receive up to €70,000 compensation from the betting company.

This is in light of the Workplace Relations Commission in Ireland ordering the firm to pay an initial €10,100 to 11 workers, in respect of Paddy Power denying their staff ‘proper’ rest breaks.

The cases against Paddy Power were taken under the Organisation of Working Time Act. With Robert McNamara of Mandate stating: “There are thousands of workers in the retail, pharmacy, bar and betting industries who are currently being denied their statutory entitlements but do not know their rights or do not have a trade union to back them up.”

Robert McNamara the Divisional Organiser of the Mandate Union of Ireland believes that this action though is the first of several to be taken against Paddy Power. With McNamara stating that there are a total of 78 cases that the union is taking up on behalf of their members. Once complete McNamara expects the bookmaker will have to pay out up to €70,000 in compensation.

A spokesperson for Paddy Power Betfair said of the ruling by the Workplace Relations Commission: “We have systems in place to enable employees to take their breaks, and we will continue to ensure that our employees get them. We are disappointed with this ruling but we will be abiding by it and reviewing our processes accordingly.”

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