Courts / Ireland / Report

Hospitality manager subject to 'stream of sexually inappropriate texts' wins €45k

Summary

In a Workplace Relations Commission decision, a hospitality manager who claimed he was subjected to a "constant stream of sexually inappropriate texts" from a senior colleague after a brief flirtation was awarded €45,000 for sexual harassment. The manager, Mr B, joined the firm in May 2021 and reported that Ms A, the financial controller, became flirty in August 2021 and attempted to kiss him in September, which he declined. He said they had two kisses over a three‑to‑four‑week period before he told her it had to stop and denied any relationship. Ms A then sent him repeated sexually inappropriate messages, photographs and videos via WhatsApp until July 2022, despite his clear refusals. Mr B ceased contact and blocked her number. The tribunal found the company's anti‑harassment procedures deficient and upheld the harassment claim under the Employment Equality Act 1998, but found no evidence of victimisation or constructive dismissal. The award was €45,000.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hospitality manager subject to 'stream of sexually inappropriate texts' wins €45k. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• May 2021 Other
• August 2021 Other
• July 2022 Other
• August 2022 Other
• 22 July 2022 Other
• 2024-08-01 Publication

Why: This was because he had failed to make a compliant to his employer about the sexual harassment prior to his resignation, Ms O'Driscoll wrote. CNI source report

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report