The Workplace Relations Commission found that Builders Suppliers discriminated against a worker by failing to meaningfully investigate what reasonable accommodation she needed, and awarded her €25,000. The decision, dated 11 September 2017, also found that the employer’s conduct justified her resignation and awarded compensation equivalent to four weeks’ pay for unfair dismissal.
The worker, an administrative assistant, sought to work near toilet facilities and stop covering the customer-facing cash desk. Builders Suppliers said it had offered nearby facilities, temporary cover and permission to leave the desk if cover was unavailable, and argued that changing her role would impose a disproportionate burden. The WRC found there had been no proper investigation of possible arrangements and no meaningful examination of her objections to continuing customer interaction.