Courts / Laois / Report

Tesco manager subjected to five-hour 'interrogation', WRC hears

Date
2023-02-03
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Portlaoise
County
Laois

Summary

Brian Scully, a night manager at Tesco's Portlaoise store, was dismissed after a company investigation into alleged breaches of checkout procedures. Tesco claimed Scully had served himself at the till and taken a pack of cigarettes without paying, citing loss‑prevention software and CCTV evidence. Scully admitted serving himself but argued he forgot to pay for the cigarettes, stating he intended to pay between 7am and 8am. The investigation, conducted the day after his shift, lasted over five hours and was described by his legal team as an aggressive, pre‑judged interrogation with only 14 hours' notice. The Workplace Relations Commission found the dismissal procedurally and substantively unfair, awarding Scully €23,000 in compensation for the unfair dismissal. The tribunal noted the investigation's lack of impartiality and the impact of pre‑judgement on the outcome.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Tesco manager subjected to five-hour 'interrogation', WRC hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

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Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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