Dismissed by Video Call and Told It Was “No Fault”? Here’s What the WRC Says
Being dismissed is difficult at the best of times — but being told by video call, while on sick leave, that you’re being let go “through no fault of your own” can feel particularly unfair.
A recent Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision has sent a strong message to employers: there is no such thing as a “no-fault” dismissal under Irish employment law.
In this case, an executive who was dismissed just days before his one-year work anniversary was awarded €180,000, the largest unfair dismissal award of its kind so far in 2025.
What Happened in This Case?
The employee joined the company as Chief of Staff on a salary of €160,000 per year. Less than a year later — and while he was on sick leave — he received a video call informing him that his role was being terminated on a so-called “no-fault basis”.
Just months earlier, he had been told he would receive a significant bonus, and his contract included provisions for pension contributions, private healthcare, and equity.
Crucially:
- He was dismissed five days short of one year’s service
- He did not receive his full contractual notice pay
- The employer did not attend the WRC hearing
- No evidence was provided to justify the dismissal
Why the One-Year Rule Didn’t Protect the Employer
Many employees are told that unfair dismissal law only applies after one year of service. While that is often true, this case shows important exceptions.
Because the employer failed to pay the employee his full contractual notice, the WRC ruled that his employment was effectively extended by the notice period — bringing him past the one-year threshold.
That meant he was entitled to full protection under the Unfair Dismissals Act.
This is a critical point for employees:
👉 how your dismissal is handled matters just as much as when it happens.
“No Fault” Is Not a Legal Justification
The WRC was clear: a dismissal must be fair, lawful, and properly justified.
In this case:
- No reason was given that met the legal standard
- No evidence was presented
- No disciplinary or performance process was followed
- The employer did not even attend the hearing
As a result, the adjudicator accepted the employee’s account in full and found the dismissal to be both unfair and unlawful.
Why the Award Was So High
The WRC awarded €180,000 based on:
- The employee’s loss of earnings
- The significant drop in salary when he found new work
- His reasonable efforts to mitigate his losses
- The fact that he could not secure employment at a comparable salary
Even though the WRC did not include bonuses or equity in the calculation (due to lack of evidence they were ever paid), the financial impact of the dismissal was still substantial.
What This Means for Employees in Ireland
This case is a powerful reminder that:
✔ You cannot be dismissed simply because it’s “easier”
✔ Being close to one year’s service does not automatically exclude you from protection
✔ Employers must follow fair procedures — even at senior level
✔ Dismissals by video call or while on sick leave raise serious red flags
✔ If an employer doesn’t engage with the WRC, the employee’s evidence may go uncontested
If You’ve Been Dismissed — Don’t Assume You Have No Case
At Employment Matters, we regularly hear from people who say:
- “They told me it was no fault”
- “I was just under a year”
- “They said it was legal”
- “I didn’t want to cause trouble”
This case shows why it’s so important to get proper advice before walking away.
If you’ve been dismissed suddenly, unfairly, or without explanation — especially while on sick leave or close to a service milestone — you may have stronger rights than you realise.
We’re here to help you understand your options clearly, calmly, and confidentially.
