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'Deplorable conduct' sees recruiter awarded just €250 for unfair dismissal from Peter Casey firm

Summary

The Workplace Relations Commission found that the conduct of Michael O'Sullivan, a former recruitment consultant at Claddagh Resources, was so deplorable that the tribunal could only award him €250 for unfair dismissal. O'Sullivan had claimed he was dismissed on the spot by Peter Casey during an appraisal meeting after being placed on a performance improvement plan and set with unrealistic targets. The firm argued he was sacked for breach of policy, misconduct and poor performance, citing a 90‑day improvement period and a requirement to submit ten candidates weekly. The tribunal concluded that the email O'Sullivan sent to a colleague, threatening her and claiming defamation, was the decisive factor in his dismissal, and that the company's concerns about performance were not part of the decision. The award reflected only the breach of the Unfair Dismissals Act.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Deplorable conduct' sees recruiter awarded just €250 for unfair dismissal from Peter Casey firm. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• November 2020 Other
• 18 March Other
• March 23rd Other
• 2022-11-17 Publication

Why: The company disputed unfair dismissal, with its barrister Claire Bruton BL telling the tribunal Mr O'Sullivan had been sacked because of breach of policy, misconduct and performance issues. CNI source report

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report