The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that Avoca Handweavers Shops Limited unfairly dismissed Executive Chef Mark Mcgillycuddy and directed payment of €57,166 gross compensation for financial loss. The decision was dated 24 April 2025; the total is payable under this complaint or the related case against Avoca Handweavers Limited, not both.
The WRC accepted that the pandemic adversely affected the company and required restructuring, but found that the business transformation and its effect on chef roles had not been adequately explained. It also found the company had not acted reasonably in consulting Mcgillycuddy about alternative roles. He said the consultation lacked financial information and meaningful discussion of alternatives; the company said it had consulted him and considered redeployment.