The Workplace Relations Commission found that Fintan Reddy was unfairly dismissed by Ardbrook Limited and awarded him €118,732. The decision was dated 27 January 2022.
Reddy, who worked as a general manager, said the company gave changing reasons for making his role redundant and did not follow a fair process. Ardbrook said the role was no longer viable because of sales prospects, the pandemic and the merging of its sites.
The adjudication officer found that the company had not shown a genuine redundancy and that Reddy was dismissed because he resisted changing his employment contract. The officer also found there was no fair selection process, consultation or opportunity to appeal. The €118,732 award covered lost earnings and other benefits, in addition to redundancy and notice payments Reddy had already received.
A separate wages complaint succeeded, with Ardbrook ordered to pay €3,125.39 for underpaid holiday pay and pro rata June commission. Reddy's minimum notice and redundancy payment complaints were not well founded, and he withdrew his equality complaint at the hearing.