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 Employee Let Go After Raising Concerns

Patricia Higgins worked in a part-time administrative role at the Heaney Meats factory shop in Galway for 14 years. After a change in ownership to Cruinniú Bia Ltd, she continued in her role under new management. However, her working conditions began to deteriorate—most notably, she was asked to hot-desk and was at one point made to work beneath a construction area where an angle grinder was in use.

Following this, Ms Higgins raised a formal health and safety complaint and also reported alleged workplace bullying. Just months later, she was told her position was being made redundant—without an appeal process and without being allowed to work her notice period.

Tribunal Findings: Disregard for Safety and Fair Process

The company argued that financial difficulties and restructuring needs led to Ms Higgins’ redundancy. However, the WRC found otherwise. Adjudicator Louise Boyle ruled that the redundancy was directly linked to Ms Higgins’ health and safety complaint. The tribunal found her employer showed a “complete disregard” for its duty to ensure a safe working environment.

The WRC awarded:

• €15,000 under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• €5,000 under the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 for less favourable treatment than her full-time counterparts

What This Means for Employees and Employers

This case highlights several key legal principles:

• Employees are protected by law when they raise genuine health and safety concerns.
• Part-time employees must not be treated less favourably than full-time staff.
• Redundancy processes must be transparent, fair, and not used as a disguise for penalising staff.

Our Perspective

At Employment Matters, we’ve seen first-hand how crucial it is for workers to feel safe and respected in the workplace. This ruling strengthens the message that no one should be punished for speaking up—especially when it comes to safety.

If you believe your rights at work have been breached, or you’ve been unfairly treated after raising concerns, we’re here to help.

📞 Get in touch today for expert advice from our employment law team.