The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Ann Doherty €45,000 after finding St John Of God Services discriminated against her on family status and gender grounds. The decision, made by Adjudication Officer Kevin Baneham, was dated 18 May 2022.
Doherty said she was refused the option of working from home during the pandemic while colleagues were allowed to work remotely, leaving her on sick leave and reduced pay. She also said she was moved towards a public-facing role while pregnant. St John Of God Services said staff were assessed individually, she was not fit for work and did not qualify for cocooning, and she was correctly paid sick leave.
The WRC accepted Doherty’s evidence and found she was denied work from home and full pay because she had childcare responsibilities and was pregnant, while colleagues without those circumstances were facilitated. The decision described an estimated pay shortfall of around €21,000 over six months; the €45,000 award was compensation for the effects of discrimination.