Walking through working life expo

The Workplace Relations Commission ( WRC) is set to bring its ‘Walk Through Working Life’ exhibition to Sligo from 12-15 November.

Students from local secondary schools will visit the WRC Sligo office on 12-13 November, with the exhibition moving to Sligo IT on Wednesday 14 November. Staff will also be available at the Johnston Court Shopping Centre on Saturday 17 November “to walk you through your working life.”

The ‘Walk Through Working Life’ is designed to provide information on key ‘ life’ events that happen during a person’s time in work. It has direct relevance to people leaving school or college and starting their first job; who need to know what their rights are in terms of contracts, the hours of work expected of them, payment of wages and so on.

Similarly, people experiencing problems at work might like to know what is the easiest and quickest way of getting them resolved, whether it’s challenges outside work, like a new child or an ill parent and getting their leave entitlements, to issues in the workplace. The exhibition also provides information for people coming towards retirement – particularly those who might like to stay on in work – and the options that are available to them.

Acting Director General of the WRC, Liam Kelly said, “Students doing Business Studies as part of their Leaving Cert will find it of particular interest as the work of the WRC now forms part of the curriculum, as will third level students who have a part-time job or are about to join the workforce. I would urge anyone who has a question about work to come along to Johnston Court on Saturday 17 November, where our professional team from the WRC Sligo office will be on hand to provide further information or answer any queries”.

Local WRC inspector, Brendan Feeney, who will be at the stand said, “Bringing our Sligo office out to the people of Sligo is something we are very excited about. Our role is to support employers and employees achieve harmonious workplaces. By meeting in a relaxed and informal setting, we hope it will help the people of Sligo understand the positive role we can play in people’s working lives and help spread the word about the work the WRC is doing locally.”