Courts / Dublin / Report

Finance director presented with 60% pay cut upon pregnancy wins unfair dismissal case

Summary

Camila Nascimento Machado, a finance director, has been awarded €30,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal after her employer, Academic Bridge Ltd, presented her with a new contract cutting her pay by 60% four days after she informed her new boss of her pregnancy. The Workplace Relations Commission found that the pay cut was not a genuine redundancy and that the dismissal was unfair. The tribunal ruled that the employer had not followed proper procedures in the selection process and that the pay cut was not a serious alternative. The new owner of the school, Shafikul Islam, had taken over the company and faced significant financial liabilities. Machado was informed of the pay cut and refused to accept it, leading to her termination. The tribunal found that her pregnancy had no bearing on the decision but noted that the employer should have been more cautious in managing her exit. The ruling emphasized that the dismissal was not a genuine redundancy but a retaliatory measure in response to her concerns and pregnancy.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Finance director presented with 60% pay cut upon pregnancy wins unfair dismissal case. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• September 2024 Other
• 7 November Other
• 11 November Other
• 14 November Other
• November 15th Other
• 15 December 2024 Other
• 2026-01-30 Publication

Why: " Ruling on the case, adjudication officer Pat Brady wrote that whatever Mr Islam's level of knowledge about the company's debts when he took over, the businessman had been "well aware" who was being paid what because he had told the complainant it was why the old owner was selling up. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report