Courts / Ireland / Report
Worker denied reduced hours after migraine diagnosis win €20k for disability discrimination in legal first
2026-07-01
Hearing Or Decision
Summary
A worker who was denied a reduced working week after being diagnosed with a migraine condition has won €20,000 in an Irish legal first. South Munster Money Advice & Budgeting Service CLG was ordered to pay the sum to the employee, Laura Beresford, on foot of a complaint alleging disability discrimination in breach of the Employment Equality Act 1998. Ms Beresford told the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that she fell ill in April 2024 and was diagnosed with vestibular migraine, which caused headaches, nausea, and fatigue that significantly impaired her ability to function. After three months out sick, she returned to work in July 2024 and presented a letter from her GP advising that a reduction in her working hours would help her manage the condition. She formally sought a reduction in working hours from a five-day, 35-hour working week to 28 hours over four days, with one day working from home. The arrangement was supported by an occupational health assessment commissioned by her employer.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Worker denied reduced hours after migraine diagnosis win €20k for disability discrimination in legal first. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- April 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2024 Other
- 2026-07-01 Publication
Topics
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