Child with Nut Allergy Forced Out of Creche: WRC Rules Discrimination
A Family Left with No Choice A two-year-old girl was forced to leave her creche after being diagnosed with a severe nut allergy. The creche told her parents it was “not prepared to take responsibility” for her condition. The child had been happy and settled there since she was 18 months old. But once her […]
Traveller Community Salesman Receives Compensation After Leaving Job Over Discrimination
Introduction Discrimination in the workplace has no place in a fair and respectful society. Yet, as this recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruling shows, it remains an issue that continues to affect workers in Ireland. A salesman from the Traveller Community has been awarded compensation after leaving his job just two-and-a-half weeks in, following repeated […]
Ireland’s Unemployment Falls in August — But Are We Really in the Clear?
Introduction Ireland’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7% in August 2025, down from 4.8% in July, according to the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures. On the surface, this seems like good news — fewer people are unemployed, and job growth remains strong. But here’s the catch: the unemployment rate is still higher than August 2024, […]
Traveller Discrimination Case: WRC Orders Homesavers to Pay €13,000 to Former Supervisor
Traveller Supervisor Awarded €13,000 in Discrimination Case Against Homesavers The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has ordered Homesavers to pay €13,000 in compensation to Mark O’Connor, a former supervisor at the retailer’s Bunclody store in Co. Wexford, after finding he was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against due to being a member of the Traveller Community. Background […]
Bonnington Hotel Ordered to Pay €26,000 for ‘Sham Redundancy’ After Carpenter’s Unfair Dismissal
Introduction In a landmark ruling, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has ordered the operators of Dublin’s Bonnington Hotel to pay €26,000 in compensation to former carpenter Donal Finnegan, after finding that his redundancy was a “sham” and his dismissal unfair and unlawful. This case highlights the importance of following fair redundancy procedures and respecting employee […]
Arts Manager Wins €55,000 for Unfair Dismissal — Now Seeks Reinstatement Through Labour Court
Introduction A recent case involving former arts manager Linda O’Shea Farren highlights the complexities of unfair dismissal claims in Ireland and raises important questions about employee reinstatement after Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) rulings. While Ms O’Shea Farren was awarded €55,000 in compensation after successfully bringing an unfair dismissal claim against the Contemporary Music Centre (CMC), […]
Key Employment Law Updates Coming in 2025: Pregnancy Loss Leave, Insolvency Protections & Retirement Rights
Introduction Irish employment law is set to undergo significant changes in 2025, with several key Bills currently progressing through the Oireachtas. These reforms aim to strengthen employee protections, modernise workplace policies, and provide greater clarity for employers. In this blog, we break down the three most important proposed changes and explain what employers and employees […]
Teacher Awarded €85,000 After Discriminatory Interview Comment About Maternity Leave
Teacher Awarded €85,000 After Maternity Leave Discrimination in Job Interview A Westmeath primary school has been ordered to pay €85,000 in compensation to teacher Emily Williams after the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found she was discriminated against during a job interview because of her family status. The incident occurred during an interview for a fixed-term […]
Sommelier Wins Unpaid Wages Claim After Shanahan’s on the Green Closure
Sommelier Wins €4,272 Unpaid Wages Claim After Shanahan’s on the Green Closure When Dublin’s famous restaurant Shanahan’s on the Green abruptly shut its doors last year, staff were left unpaid and uncertain about their future. Now, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has awarded one of its long-serving employees, Cormac Thunder, a total of €4,272 for […]
Manager Wins €22,500 After ‘Joke’ Sext Leads to Unfair Dismissal
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has awarded €22,500 in compensation to a financial services manager who was unfairly dismissed after sending a sexually explicit text from a colleague’s phone “as a joke.” The tribunal ruled that while the behaviour amounted to sexual harassment, the company’s handling of the case was deeply flawed. It also found […]
WRC Awards €50,000 to New Mother Denied Part-Time Hours After Maternity Leave
A new mother has won €50,000 in compensation after her employer refused to let her return to work part-time following maternity leave. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found the company, Net Smart Security Ltd, discriminated against her on the grounds of gender and family status under the Employment Equality Act 1998. Request for Flexible Hours […]
Why Working While Sick Hurts You — and Your Employer
Introduction You wake up with a pounding headache, a scratchy throat, and a fever. Your body says stay in bed, but your mind whispers, you should log in or show up anyway. This pressure to work through illness — known as presenteeism — is more common than you might think, and it’s harming both workers […]
Founder Wins €85,000 After Salary Stopped: Lessons on Constructive Dismissal
Founder Wins €85,000 After Salary Stopped in Workplace Dispute The founder of a clothing brand for breast cancer patients has been awarded almost €85,000 after her salary was cut off. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled she was constructively dismissed from her role at Theya Healthcare Ltd, a company she had built over a decade. […]
Worker Forced to Retire at 65 Wins €18,000 in Age Discrimination Case
Long-Serving Employee Wins Age Discrimination Case A 65-year-old factory worker has won €18,000 in compensation after being forced to retire against his wishes. Liam Murphy, from Shannon, Co Clare, had worked for Deepak Fasteners for 45 years. When he reached 65 in February 2022, he asked to stay on for one more year until reaching […]
Turkey Farm Worker Wins Redundancy Payment for 20 Years’ Seasonal Work
She worked season after season — for 20 years.Then the farm shut down — and tried to claim she had no right to redundancy. In a landmark ruling, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has awarded statutory redundancy for two decades of seasonal work to Teresa Kane, a poultry farm worker from Carlow. Ms Kane worked […]
Mechanic Awarded €5,418 After Employer Fails to Pay Minimum Wage
Mechanic Wins €5,418 for Unpaid Wages: WRC Confirms Apprentice Status Doesn’t Excuse Minimum Wage Breach When 20-year-old Moeez Ahmad stepped into a motor garage in Co. Wexford, he didn’t expect to work full-time without being paid. But after nearly three months on the job, he walked away empty-handed — until the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) […]
Tesco Ordered to Rehire Worker After ‘Useless’ Comment Ruled Not Grounds for Dismissal
Tesco Worker Wins WRC Case After Being Fired Over Manager Comment A recent ruling by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has found that Tesco acted disproportionately when it dismissed a long-serving warehouse employee who called his manager “useless” during a performance review. The WRC has ordered that the worker be re-engaged by mid-August, with the […]
Chef Awarded €39,000 by WRC After Unfair Treatment by Camile Franchise
A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision has brought much-needed attention to employment rights violations, especially for migrant workers. Sujeer Thayyil, a chef employed by a Camile Thai franchise, has been awarded €39,413.98 in compensation after his employer failed to honour statutory entitlements and attempted to change his employment terms without consent. What Happened? Mr […]
Burned-Out Lingerie Saleswoman Awarded €15,800 for Constructive Dismissal
A Toxic Work Environment Ignored — and a Career Cut Short A lingerie saleswoman who gave almost 20 years to her employer has won a €15,800 award for constructive dismissal after the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that the company failed to protect her health and well-being. Karrin Breslin, who worked for Chantelle Lingerie Ltd, […]
DHL Ordered to Pay €18,000 Redundancy Over ‘Unreasonable’ Commute
Long Commute Ends 15-Year Job The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has ruled in favour of a former DHL warehouse worker who turned down a job transfer that would have added hours to his daily commute. Oscar Solano Fernandez, who worked at DHL’s Clondalkin warehouse for over 15 years, was awarded more than €18,000 in redundancy […]
Former Bohemian FC coach Awarded €26,000 for ‘Sham’ Redundancy by Bohemian FC
A Harsh Reality for a Loyal Coach In a decision that’s making headlines, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded David Henderson €26,000 after ruling that Bohemian FC wrongfully dismissed him under the guise of redundancy. The tribunal described the dismissal as “ruthless and dishonest”, and said the club fabricated misconduct allegations in an attempt to […]
Unfairly Dismissed Over a Private Call: What the €10,000 WRC Award Means for Irish Employees
Unfair Dismissal Over Private Conversations: What Every Irish Employee Should Know When does a conversation with HR cross the line — and who gets to decide? A recent ruling by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has reignited the debate about employee privacy, transparency in disciplinary processes, and the importance of fair procedures in the workplace. […]
Irish Rail Worker Awarded €12,000 for Unfair Dismissal After Crane Incident
Was it reckless or responsible? That’s the question the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) had to weigh in a recent case involving Irish Rail employee Liam Óg Lynch, who was awarded €12,000 after being unfairly dismissed following a workplace crane incident. In March 2023, Mr Lynch took control of a gantry crane after seeing that its […]
Manager Wins €10,000 After Unfair Dismissal Over Cleaner’s Dyed Hair – A Lesson in Due Process
A manager has been awarded €10,000 in compensation after she was unfairly dismissed for sending a cleaner home over her blue hair dye. Michelle Murray worked as a client services manager with Cagney Maintenance Service Ltd for 17 years. In March 2023, she asked a team leader, Sylvia Sanchez, to leave a prominent Dublin event […]
Finance Manager Wins €35,000 After Raising Audit Concerns: WRC Rules Dismissal Unfair
In a powerful new ruling from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), a finance manager has been awarded nearly €35,000 after being unfairly dismissed by a charity. The WRC determined that the dismissal stemmed “wholly or mainly” from the manager’s decision to raise red flags about financial discrepancies and potential audit issues. This case, which highlights […]
Demoted After Maternity Leave: Coca-Cola Ordered to Pay €68,000 in Workplace Discrimination Case
What Happens When a Career Takes a Hit After Maternity Leave? Returning to work after maternity leave should be a time of support, stability, and equal treatment. Unfortunately, for one marketing executive at Coca-Cola, it became a moment of career derailment—and led to a landmark €68,000 award for discrimination by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). […]
WRC Orders Employer to Pay €27,000 After Salesman Misled Over Unpaid Wages
At Employment Matters, we stand with employees who fight for fair treatment in the workplace. A recent decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) highlights how serious it is when employers withhold wages. A salesman has won over €27,000 from his former employer — a technology firm — after waiting months for his wages and […]
Can I Be Fired for Making a Personal Injury Claim Against My Employer?
If you’re injured at work and consider making a personal injury claim against your employer, you may be worried about your job security.It’s a reasonable concern — after all, making a claim might feel awkward or challenging — but under Irish employment law, you should not be dismissed or suffer unfair treatment simply for exercising […]
Financial Adviser Awarded Over €48,000 After Unfair Dismissal
Introduction A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision highlights the importance of fair disciplinary procedures for employers in Ireland. Caitriona Nic Aodha, a financial adviser, won over €48,000 after being dismissed without a proper chance to respond to serious bullying allegations. What Happened in This Case? Ms Nic Aodha worked as a financial adviser at […]
Maternity Discrimination Costs Employer Over €12,000: Key Lessons for Irish Businesses
Introduction A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision shows just how costly maternity-related discrimination can be for employers in Ireland. Eurotech Renewables Limited, a renewable energy firm based in Monaghan, must now pay €12,480 in compensation to a former employee after the WRC found that she was discriminated against because of her maternity leave. What […]
Employment Law Updates 2025: Key Changes Every Employee in Ireland Should Know
Introduction As 2025 unfolds, several important updates to Irish employment law are coming into effect. Whether you’re an employee navigating your rights or an employer working to stay compliant, staying informed is crucial. This article breaks down the most significant changes — from new pension rules and flexible working rights to gender pay gap reporting […]
Executive Chef Wins €57K in Unfair Redundancy Case Against Avoca Handweavers
Redundancy is never easy—for employees or employers. But when not handled properly, it can lead to claims of unfair dismissal, reputational damage, and costly compensation. That’s exactly what happened in a recent case before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where an Executive Chef at Avoca Handweavers Limited successfully challenged his redundancy as unfair. Let’s break […]
Gender Pay Gap Portal Launch – What Employers Need to Know in 2025
A New Era of Pay Transparency: Gender Pay Gap Portal Launching Autumn 2025 From Autumn 2025, a major shift is coming for Irish employers: the launch of a fully searchable Gender Pay Gap Reporting Portal. This new portal marks a significant step forward in promoting transparency and accountability around workplace pay disparities between men and […]
Redundant After Speaking Up: The €20,000 Lesson for Irish Employers
A recent decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has reaffirmed that raising valid concerns about health and safety should never result in retaliation. The case of Patricia Higgins, who was awarded €20,000 in compensation after being unfairly made redundant, is a powerful reminder of how essential employee protections are in today’s workplace. A Long-Standing […]
Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace: A Wake-Up Call for Employers
What Happened? A recent case at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has brought pregnancy discrimination back into focus. A woman was awarded over €10,000 after being let go from her job shortly after telling her employer she was pregnant. Claudia O’Connor worked as a junior health and safety officer at Bretland Construction Ltd. She joined […]
U.S. Tariffs Threaten 25,000 Irish Jobs: Navigating the Potential Impact
A recent report has highlighted a pressing concern for Ireland’s economy: the potential loss of up to 25,000 jobs due to proposed U.S. tariffs. These tariffs, aimed at various sectors, could significantly affect Ireland’s export-driven industries, leading to broader economic challenges. Understanding the Tariff Implications The proposed tariffs by the U.S. government are part of […]
WRC Awards €143,000 to Migrant Woman Over Workplace Sexual Harassment
In a landmark decision, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has awarded €143,268 to Sharanjeet Kaur, a migrant woman who endured persistent sexual harassment and discrimination while working at a takeaway in Skerries, Co Dublin. This case underscores the pressing need for robust workplace protections, especially for vulnerable migrant workers. The Case Details Sharanjeet Kaur, originally […]
WRC Orders Dublin Employer to Pay €12,000 Over Homophobic Harassment Claim
Dublin Employer Fined €12,000 Over Homophobic Harassment: What Employers Must Know A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision has highlighted the serious impact of homophobic harassment in the workplace—and the consequences of not taking action. Dean Slattery worked as a driver for Liberties Recycling in the Bluebell Industrial Estate. He resigned in February 2024, following […]
Labour Court Awards €40,000 to Employee Dismissed Without Due Process
A recent Labour Court decision serves as a stark reminder to employers of the importance of following fair procedures when dismissing an employee. The case involved Eurodeck Ltd, a company operating in the industrial decking sector, and a former production manager who was let go in a manner the court described as entirely lacking due […]
Publisher of IrishCentral Ordered to Pay €12,000 for Unfair Dismissal
A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruling highlights the importance of fair redundancy processes, as the publisher of IrishCentral.com, Irish Studio Media Publishing Limited, has been ordered to pay €12,000 to a former employee for unfair dismissal. Background of the Case The employee, Sinead Behan, had been with the company since 2003, working in various […]
Unfair Dismissal Case: School Cleaner Wins Compensation Over Dispute
Introduction A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruling awarded €5,000 in compensation to a school cleaner dismissed after a dispute over a cleaning bucket. This case highlights the importance of fair dismissal procedures and employee rights. Case Overview Christina Doyle worked as a cleaner at Our Lady of Hope School since November 2021, earning €12 […]
High Court Overturns Labour Court Ruling on Debenhams Redundancy Payments
In a significant decision for employment law in Ireland, the High Court has overturned a Labour Court ruling that previously awarded compensation to a former Debenhams employee in a test case concerning redundancy entitlements. This ruling could have implications for nearly 800 similar cases brought forward by former Debenhams employees following the company’s insolvency and […]
Should Ireland Introduce Enhanced ‘Family Friendly’ Workplace Rights?
Balancing work and family life is a challenge many employees face. While some countries, including Northern Ireland, are making strides in providing greater support for working families, Ireland has yet to introduce similar legislative protections. With increasing calls for family-friendly policies in the workplace, is it time for Ireland to follow suit? Miscarriage Leave – […]
Dublin Company Ordered to Pay €40,000 in Pregnancy Discrimination Case
A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruling has once again highlighted the importance of protecting employees from workplace discrimination. Capel Abbey Limited, a Dublin-based property management company, has been ordered to pay €40,000 in compensation after it was found to have unfairly dismissed an employee following her pregnancy announcement. The Case: What Happened? Tamara Vuletic, […]
Employment Law in 2025: Key Changes Employers Need to Know
What’s Ahead for Irish Employment Law in 2025? 2024 was a year of significant change for Irish employment law, with key developments in mandatory retirement, employment status, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). As we move into 2025, more reforms and legal updates are set to shape the workplace landscape. Employers should be prepared for these changes […]
Employee Privacy in the Workplace: What You Need to Know
A recent case before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has brought employee privacy and workplace surveillance into sharp focus. A construction worker was awarded €10,000 after his employer secretly placed a GPS tracking device on his company van, monitoring his movements outside of work hours. This case raises serious concerns about employees’ right to privacy […]
Understanding the New Code of Practice on Determining Employment Status
The Department of Social Protection has introduced a new Code of Practice on Determining Employment Status, providing clarity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Revenue Commissioners v Karshan (Midlands) Ltd T/A Domino’s Pizza [2023] IESC 24. This decision, which found Domino’s delivery drivers to be employees rather than independent contractors, underscores the […]
Race Discrimination in the Workplace: A Security Guard’s €6,000 Win for Justice
Workplace discrimination is a major issue affecting employees across industries. Recently, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded €6,000 to a security guard in a compelling race discrimination case. This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of equality and fairness in every workplace. The Case: Feeding a Fox or Facing Bias? The case revolved […]
Workplace Equality: Why It Matters and How Employment Matters Stands With You
In today’s society, workplace equality is not just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental right. Yet, cases like the recent one reported by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) remind us how critical it is to address gender discrimination and harassment in workplaces across Ireland. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of workplace equality, […]
Landmark Win for Employment Matters in Pregnancy Discrimination Case
At Employment Matters, we are proud to highlight a groundbreaking win for employee rights. This case involved our client, Raquel Vieira dos Santos Silva, a pregnant worker who faced severe discrimination. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded her an unprecedented €136,200, recognizing the injustice she endured. The Case: Pregnancy Discrimination at Work Ms. dos Santos […]