The WRC found a quality controller’s unfair dismissal complaint not well founded in a decision dated 11 January 2018. A separate workplace safety complaint was withdrawn before the hearing.
The company said it dismissed the worker after concluding that he had fabricated a reported back injury. He disputed that conclusion and argued the investigation and disciplinary process were flawed. The adjudication officer found it reasonable for the company to conclude that the reported injury was not as claimed, relying on CCTV, company doctors’ opinions and other evidence. She also found the dismissal proportionate and the process fair. The decision assessed whether the employer acted reasonably; it did not determine the worker’s guilt or innocence.