The Workplace Relations Commission found that a meat processor discriminated against a meat factory worker because of disability, failed to provide reasonable accommodation and constructively dismissed her. In a decision dated 8 July 2016, it ordered the company to pay her €20,000 compensation.
The worker, a general operative at an abattoir and meat production facility, said she could return to suitable duties that did not involve knives after developing a disability following a workplace accident. The employer said no suitable alternative work was available while she could not work with knives.
The adjudication officer found the employer had not properly assessed possible adjustments or sought an independent medical view. The worker was told she could return only when fit to work with knives, and the officer found the employer’s conduct entitled her to end her contract. The award reflected the distress caused and the failure to assess accommodation objectively.