Courts / Ireland / Report

Veteran community worker sacked over pair of socks wins €15k

Summary

Geraldine O'Donnell, a 65‑year‑old community worker with 27 years of service at St Munchin's Community Centre, was dismissed for taking a pair of knitted socks she believed were to be discarded. She claimed she found the socks on boxes in the reception area in November 2022 and, after being questioned by CEO Linda Ledger, admitted to taking them. O'Donnell was immediately suspended and later sacked for gross misconduct. The Workplace Relations Commission found the dismissal unfair, noting that O'Donnell's explanation was reasonable and that the disciplinary process was disproportionate. The commission awarded her €15,000 in compensation for the loss of earnings and the impact on her reputation. The case highlighted the lack of consideration for her mistaken belief and her long, unblemished record.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Veteran community worker sacked over pair of socks wins €15k. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• November 2022 Other
• January 2024 Other
• June 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-04-29 Publication

Why: Ms O'Donnell explained that she had been in her position as a community worker for some 27 years with an "unblemished" record and was set to retire in January 2024. CNI source report

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

Read the original CNI report