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 of the Case
Mr O’Connor joined the Homesavers store on 1 November 2021 on a wage of €11.20 per hour but was dismissed just four weeks later, on 29 November, after being told he had failed his probation.
During his short time at the company, Mr O’Connor said he faced repeated derogatory comments and was treated unfairly by management.
Key Allegations of Discrimination
Mr O’Connor alleged that:
- A manager asked him to “follow” his aunt and young cousin around the store.
- He was told to monitor certain Traveller customers while other customers were left unchallenged.
- A manager allegedly used offensive language to describe Travellers, referring to them as “knackers.”
- Despite reporting potential shoplifting by other customers, he was told to “worry about the Travellers” instead.
Mr O’Connor described these incidents as “a punch in the gut”, stating that Traveller children were routinely followed in the store while other groups were not.
Homesavers’ Defence
Homesavers, trading as Ballymaley Stores Ltd, denied the allegations.
- The company stated that Mr O’Connor was dismissed due to performance issues such as poor communication, lack of leadership, and unauthorised phone use.
- Store Manager Leah Sullivan denied instructing him to follow any customers and claimed she was unaware of his Traveller identity.
- The company’s solicitor also provided an email from a former manager denying making derogatory remarks.
The WRC Decision
After reviewing evidence, Adjudicator Catherine Byrne found Mr O’Connor to be “a credible witness” and concluded that he was treated less favourably than other employees during his probation period.
In her decision, Ms Byrne noted:
- Homesavers failed to provide evidence showing any other employee was treated the same way.
- The expectation for a supervisor earning €11.20 per hour to “manage and drive the team” was unrealistic.
- She found it “difficult to accept” that Ms Sullivan was unaware of Mr O’Connor’s Traveller background.
As a result, Homesavers was ordered to:
- Pay Mr O’Connor €13,000 in compensation.
- Consult with an advocacy body for the Traveller Community.
- Provide workplace dignity and respect training for managers.
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights the legal protections against discrimination in the workplace under the Employment Equality Acts. Employers have a duty to:
- Ensure equality of treatment regardless of background.
- Provide a workplace free from bias and harassment.
- Train managers and staff to promote respect and inclusion.
For employees, this case demonstrates the importance of standing up for your rights and the role of the WRC in addressing workplace discrimination.
Need Legal Advice on Discrimination at Work?
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, harassed, or discriminated against at work, our team at Employment Matters can help.
📞 Call us today on (051) 841 641
📧 Email us at info@employment-matters.ie
🌐 Visit: [Employment Matters Website]
