The Workplace Relations Commission dismissed Ammi Burke’s unfair dismissal claim against Arthur Cox LLP after repeated interruptions prevented the hearing from proceeding fairly. The WRC did not decide whether her dismissal was unfair. Its decision was dated 10 May 2022.
Burke said she had an exemplary work record and was dismissed without warning; she sought reinstatement. Arthur Cox LLP said working relationships had broken down and there were substantial grounds for dismissal. The firm also said Burke had received three months’ pay in lieu of notice and an ex gratia payment of €70,000 when her employment ended. Those were payments made before the decision, not an award by the WRC.
The adjudication officer said he made six attempts to swear in the firm’s managing partner as a witness. He said interruptions by Burke and her mother continued after he warned them, and the hearing was unable to progress. He dismissed the claim because the respondent had not been afforded fair procedures. In practical terms, the WRC ended the case without deciding the evidence about whether the dismissal was fair.