Courts / Ireland / Report

Firm must continue to pay dismissed director who made protected disclosures

Summary

The High Court ruled that CGI Food Services must keep John Clarke, a former group financial controller, employed and paid while his claim of protected disclosures is heard by the Workplace Relations Commission. Clarke was dismissed in May 2019 after a suspension, which he says followed his disclosure of alleged food‑safety and financial irregularities. He alleged that food was stored improperly, that 22 pallets of pizza for children were thawed, refrozen and sold, that director payments exceeded bank limits, that company money was used for personal expenses, and that a director's relative paid for a cooking course. He also claimed that a director's wife and an associate's wife were paid up to €4,000 a month for no work. The company denied all allegations. Clarke's counsel, Ercus Stewart SC, challenged the dismissal and secured a temporary order from the Circuit Court to maintain his pay and benefits until the Workplace Relations Commission decides.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Firm must continue to pay dismissed director who made protected disclosures. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 2019 Other
• 2020-07-31 Publication

Why: Mr Clarke claims he was dismissed following his suspension because he made a protected disclosure about food safety and financial irregularities. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report