Labour Court sets out gradual return-to-work assessment for Dell Direct worker

In 2001, the Labour Court set out how Dell Direct should assess D.J. Cronin’s return to work, saying an initially lower performance standard and gradual assessment were needed. Its decision was dated 27 March 2001. Cronin had alleged that management bullied and harassed him and affected his health. Dell Direct denied the allegations and said he had not met its required performance standard. The Rights Commissioner had recommended that he resume his normal duties without the adverse effect he said his previous work had caused. Cronin appealed to seek implementation of that recommendation; the company did not appeal. The Labour Court was satisfied the company proposed to reintegrate him, but said its proposed reviews and timescales did not meet the recommendation’s spirit. It suggested the company consider using an employment counsellor to support the gradual assessment process.