Why there's no point disputing your bonus if you work for an Irish bank

The Independent reported this a month ago, but the Sunday Times had some more colour at the weekend: after three years of trying and legal fees, the 64 administrative staff at who were disputing their 2008 bonuses, have lost their case.

In 2008, the staff concerned were deprived of 75% of their bonuses, even though sales staff and management received their bonuses in full. It didn't help that the administrative staff were paid their bonuses annually, whilst the sales and management staff were paid monthly.

Supported by Unite, the admin professionals argued that this was unfair. It also seems a little unfair in light of the bumper bonuses  paid to key investment staff in March last year.

However, the court has ruled against the claimants. It said that the "placing agreement" imposed upon the bank by the Minister of Finance in June 2011 prohibits it from paying any performance bonus payments no matter when they were earned. Good luck, therefore, to anyone else trying to extract an unpaid bonus from an Irish bank.