The number of cases referred to the Labour Court fell back from record levels last year, according to its annual report. The total of 924 represented a 38% drop from the record 1,484 in 2004.
Chairman Kevin Duffy said the figures had been distorted in recent years by a surge in complaints alleging breaches of Registered Employment Agreements. This was mainly due to increased economic activity in sectors such as construction.
Mr Duffy said the court was dealing with more cases in which workers allege that their legal employment rights are being breached. These cases accounted for more than a fifth of all referrals last year.
Equality cases also increased last year, reversing a trend of recent years
