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 justify it.
Who Is David Henderson?
Mr Henderson is no stranger to Irish football. Over the years, he served as:
- Head of Recruitment
- Men’s Team Goalkeeping Coach
- Women’s Team Coach
- Chief Scout for Bohemian FC’s academy
Despite working across multiple roles, he earned just €250 per week.
What Happened?
On 30 November 2024, he received a phone call from the club’s Director of Football. Without warning or prior discussion, he was told his services were no longer needed.
At first, the club blamed budget cuts. But when questioned, they mentioned anonymous complaints and a “historic letter”. However, Mr Henderson never saw this letter. In fact, under WRC questioning, the club admitted that it never existed.
WRC Findings: A ‘Sham’ Redundancy
WRC Adjudicator Christina Ryan found serious faults in how the club handled the dismissal:
✅ No evidence of financial hardship
✅ No consultation or formal redundancy process
✅ No opportunity for Mr Henderson to respond
✅ Fabricated complaints used to discredit him
She concluded the club had misled the process to remove him quietly and unlawfully. She called it a “gross fabrication” and awarded him the maximum compensation of €26,000.
Why This Case Matters
This case is a warning to all employers:
➡️ Redundancy must be real.
➡️ Dismissals must follow due process.
➡️ Allegations must be backed by evidence.
Employees have rights — even those in low-paid or part-time positions. The law protects against sham redundancies and unfair dismissal.
Do You Think Your Redundancy Was Unfair?
If your employer dismissed you without a genuine reason or skipped fair procedures, you may be entitled to compensation under the Unfair Dismissals Act.
📩 Contact Employment Matters today for a confidential case review.
We specialise in helping employees fight back against unjust treatment at work.
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