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Graphic designer left on Covid layoff for 17 months wins €34k for constructive dismissal

Summary

Ciarán Roche, a graphic designer, claimed constructive dismissal after 17 months on layoff following Covid‑19. He said the employer, 3rockeco Limited, excluded him from work, meetings, and a staff barbecue, and omitted his photo from a rebranded website. Roche lodged a grievance in July 2020, which the company allegedly failed to address, and was offered no alternative roles despite meeting criteria for a February 2021 position. The tribunal found the company's failure to engage with his grievance constituted a repudiatory breach of contract. Roche's lawyer argued the company's actions amounted to constructive dismissal. The adjudicating officer upheld the unfair dismissal complaint, awarding Roche €33,718 for the dismissal and €3,728.28 for a breach of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act, totaling €37,446. The decision was based solely on the evidence presented in the tribunal hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Graphic designer left on Covid layoff for 17 months wins €34k for constructive dismissal. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• March 2020 Other
• June 2020 Other
• July 2020 Other
• February 2021 Other
• 19 August 2021 Other
• November 2021 Incident
• 2023-03-09 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report