The Workplace Relations Commission found Grainne Loonam was unfairly dismissed as she was due to return from maternity leave and ordered her former employer, Element Six Limited, to pay €43,625 compensation. The decision was dated 13 December 2022.
Loonam worked in an administrative role and was the only office staff member made redundant during the pandemic. She said her job ended as she was due to return from maternity leave; the company cited pandemic travel restrictions and said it had consulted fairly.
The adjudicator found the redundancy was not genuine and fair procedures were not followed. A suitable vacancy was available, but Loonam was not considered for it. The adjudicator also found she did not contribute to her dismissal and had tried to reduce her financial loss. The award was equivalent to 18 months’ pay.