Courts / Ireland / Report

Accountant dismissed 'in underhanded way' after checking in to cocaine rehab

Summary

Paul Flanagan, an accountant with Holbury Ltd (trading as Safe‑Stride), claimed he was unfairly dismissed after seeking treatment for cocaine addiction. He had been assured by the company's HR officer that a job would always be available, though not a specific position, when he entered a 20‑week residential drug‑treatment course at Cuan Mhuire in July 2020. After leaving the course early, the company sent a letter—dated 10 July—informing him that his job was considered vacated and that he should confirm whether he intended to return. Flanagan argued the letter was sent to the wrong address and that he had not resigned. The Workplace Relations Commission found that the employer had not documented any resignation and that the dismissal was "very under‑handed." The tribunal upheld his complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and awarded him €20,000 in compensation. The decision was published on 13 December 2022.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accountant dismissed 'in underhanded way' after checking in to cocaine rehab. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• July 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 2021 Other
• 3 December 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 10th July Other
• 2022-12-13 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report