The Labour Court upheld a recommendation that Wexford County Council should not require an Area Housing Officer to relocate from Gorey to Wexford. The Council’s appeal failed. The Court dated its decision 19 May 2010.
The worker, represented by the Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union, said she understood the post to be based in Gorey and that the move added an average 1,800 kilometres of travel each month. The Council said the post was generic and staff could be transferred to meet service needs.
The Court accepted the Council’s general right to transfer staff under its policy, but found that the circumstances supported the recommendation that the worker should not be required to relocate. It said the two sides should discuss a suitable arrangement within 30 days.