The nightlife industry in Ireland is certainly a significant one. Due to the pub culture in Ireland, this makes this sector a huge area of employment on the Emerald Isle. 

Unfortunately in Ireland, there have been many closures for nightlife businesses over recent years. What was once a stable job sector has now seen significant changes in the 21st century. 

If you are working in a pub and are concerned about a business closing down, then you might benefit from the advice of an expert. At the National Redundancy Helpline, our team is here to help with any concerns you may have. 

We are also eager to help those who have already been made redundant in Ireland. If this is something you are currently experiencing, do not hesitate to get in touch with our advisors today. 

A report from RTE indicates that in the last 18 years, 114 pubs on average in Ireland have closed on an annual basis. This is also a figure that is giving no indication of improving either. 

It is understood that between the years 2019 and 2024, the figure has risen to 144 pubs per year in Ireland. This is largely influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to significant business closures across the country. 

No county within Ireland has been safe from these closures, either. All 26 countries have faced significant pub closures in the past 20 years. 

In a breakdown by county, Limerick was the most affected county, seeing 35.6% of pubs close since 2005, according to study by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). 

Other majorly affected counties include Roscommon and Cork, with 31.9% and 31.4% fewer pubs in the counties respectively. The least affected country was the country’s capital, Dublin. 

These statistics are worrying for those working in the nightlife sector. 

DIGI Chair and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers, Kathryn D’Arcy, stated that “Pubs, restaurants, and hotels employ over 207,000 people which is 8.3% of all employees in the country”. This statement shows just how many people in Ireland can be affected by redundancy in the future.

If the business you are working for closes, then you will have the right to redundancy. You will also have the right to redundancy if the job position you occupied is terminated. 

This means if the pub you are working in decides to downsize their staff roster, you have the right to a redundancy payment. However, if you are terminated and replaced by another individual, then you will not have the right to redundancy. 

You must have been working in your pub for two or more years (104 weeks) to receive redundancy payment. If your pub closes and you have not worked there for this period of time, you will not be entitled to redundancy.

If the pub where you work has closed, there are a few things you should do in the immediate aftermath of the situation. 

You can start by speaking to a redundancy expert. Not only can this give you advice on clarity on how you should proceed, but it can also give you peace of mind. 

At the National Redundancy Helpline, our experts will make sure to give each client the help they need when dealing with redundancy. 

The quicker you can begin applying for redundancy, the more control you will have over the situation.

Being made redundant is a tough thing for any person to have to deal with. However, if you have been put in this situation, then there are some things you can do to bounce back. 

The first thing you should do is look at your expenses and begin to get an understanding of your financial situation. Not having an income for any period of time can be very stressful, so knowing what money you have and where you have to spend it is important. 

By doing this, you will be able to identify where you can cut down on costs. Once you get your redundancy payment, this can also help to cover expenses for a significant period of time. 

You should also begin looking for new employment opportunities. Before doing this, it might be a good idea to update your CV, get job references and start networking. 

For some people, being made redundant may even be a sign to start a new adventure. If working in a pub is not your life’s dream, then this could provide the opportunity to set down a new path.

It can often be hard to see redundancy coming. Especially in the nightlife industry, it can come quickly and be very unpredictable. 

However, being made redundant is something that all employees should consider. Sometimes, even seemingly very successful and stable businesses will face such predicaments. 

To be prepared for redundancy, it is worth keeping in mind the following options:

Although these actions can’t completely prevent redundancy, they can make a significant, and positive, difference should the situation arise.

Facing redundancy is not something you have to experience alone. At the National Redundancy Helpline, our professionals look to help each and every client who needs advice and guidance. 

As Ireland’s leading source of redundancy advice, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting the best guidance the country has to offer. 

So if you require guidance on your redundancy situation, do not hesitate to contact us. For free advice, you can call, email or take an online assessment for assistance today.