Labour Court affirms €500 recommendation after Depaul Trust worker’s excessive suspension

The Labour Court affirmed a recommendation that Depaul Trust Ireland pay a worker €500 compensation after finding his four-month paid suspension excessive. The Court signed its decision on 17 August 2007. The worker had been suspended while the trust investigated bullying and harassment allegations, then received a first written warning. He denied the allegations. The union said he had not been properly represented and argued the suspension was excessive; the trust said it followed its procedures and apologised for the prolonged investigation. The Court considered the recommendation appropriate. It noted that the parties would agree a letter confirming that no inference should be drawn from the suspension’s duration and that it was excessive on the facts.