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'I have to get rid of her': supervisor accidentally sent voice note to worker with anxiety disorder

Date
2023-03-20
Stage
Trial

Summary

In March 2023 the Workplace Relations Commission awarded €10,000 to bartender Ms Z for discriminatory constructive dismissal after a supervisor's voice note, recorded by Ms Z, said she had been ordered to "get rid" of her because of her anxiety disorder. Ms Z had asked her supervisor to keep her condition private and later reported stress and humiliation, claiming she had no alternative but to quit. The commission found that the voice note's language was deeply offensive and indicated an intention to dismiss Ms Z, and that the employer had no authority to carry out the termination. The hospitality group denied any intention to sack Ms Z, and the bar manager admitted he was not authorised to dismiss staff. The commission upheld Ms Z's complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998 and ordered compensation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I have to get rid of her': supervisor accidentally sent voice note to worker with anxiety disorder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: A bartender who accidentally got a voice note from her supervisor stating that she had been ordered to "get rid" of the worker because of her anxiety disorder has been awarded €10,000 for a discriminatory constructive dismissal. CNI source report

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report

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