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 Ignored

Lisa McGrath worked as an accounts administrator with the firm since August 2022, earning €24,000 plus a bonus. She took maternity leave in January 2024, followed by parental leave until mid-September. Before returning, she asked to work part-time.

Her manager, Elaine Barton, told her part-time hours could only be granted for medical reasons. Barton added that the company “never” allowed part-time work. However, under questioning, she admitted that two of the CEO’s daughters worked part-time for the company.

Negative Treatment After Pregnancy Announcement

Lisa said she had to disclose her pregnancy when Barton initially refused her time off for a doctor’s appointment. She described Barton’s reaction as “shocked” and said her treatment changed after that.

Lisa experienced sarcastic comments, felt belittled, and saw her bonus reduced when she was marked absent for maternity hospital visits. She also claimed another pregnant colleague had been paid for such appointments.

Evidence of Unequal Treatment

During the hearing, Barton confirmed the CEO was her brother. She denied treating Lisa differently, but evidence showed otherwise. The company claimed operational reasons for refusing part-time work, yet no replacement had been hired for Lisa’s role by the hearing date.

An accounts supervisor also denied part-time work existed at the company. However, she confirmed the CEO’s daughters worked part-time.

WRC Findings

WRC Adjudication Officer John Harraghy ruled that the company failed to meet its obligations to pregnant employees. There was no risk assessment, no paid leave for maternity appointments, and no genuine attempt to accommodate Lisa’s request.

He found that the refusal of part-time work, while allowing it for relatives of the CEO, was discriminatory.

The Outcome

The WRC awarded Lisa €50,000 — close to the legal maximum of twice her annual earnings. Harraghy said the amount would act as a strong deterrent against future discrimination.

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