Labour Court cuts Rialto worker’s compensation to €1,000 on employer’s appeal

The Labour Court reduced compensation for an unnamed worker at Rialto Developments Association from €3,000 to €1,000 on the employer’s appeal. The Court signed its decision on 8 October 2009. The dispute concerned the refusal to extend the worker’s participation in a Community Employment Scheme. Her union argued she met the age criteria and had been treated less favourably than comparable participants. The employer said she was eligible for an extension but not automatically entitled to one, and was ready to return to work. The Court set compensation at €1,000 and varied the Rights Commissioner’s recommendation. It also noted that an offer of a week’s training at Quaker House remained open, and said the worker should be paid for her time if she took it.