The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Aishling Dunne €4,000 in compensation after finding that Lynn Deegan trading as Finnstown Childcare discriminated against her on the family-status ground. The decision, dated 18 July 2022, also awarded her €470 in lieu of one week’s notice.
Dunne alleged hostile treatment during pregnancy and said her employment was terminated while she was on maternity leave. Deegan denied discrimination before and after Dunne went on leave.
The WRC found the closure-related termination lawful and not discriminatory. It found discrimination because Dunne was excluded from workplace notifications about the closure while on maternity leave, leaving her unaware of a major change affecting her future. The €4,000 compensation was for the effects of that discrimination; the decision noted limited financial loss.