The WRC rejected a childcare worker’s unfair dismissal complaint but awarded her €1,200 for the provider’s failure to give minimum notice. The decision was dated 25 May 2022.
The worker said her dismissal for gross misconduct was unfair and disproportionate. The childcare provider said it dismissed her over her handling of children and concerns about a toddler who had unexplained bleeding. The adjudication officer found the worker had not taken the child from the cot for close observation or recorded the incident in the report book, and that the provider acted reasonably in dismissing her.
The officer found defects in the disciplinary process but said they did not change the decision to dismiss. She also found the worker was entitled to her notice period and directed compensation of €1,200. A second unfair dismissal complaint and a second minimum notice complaint were withdrawn.