The Workplace Relations Commission found St James’s Hospital acted reasonably in dismissing Georgina Lynch, a ward catering assistant, for persistent absences and lateness. The WRC decision, dated 31 March 2023, found the disciplinary process was fair and her unfair dismissal complaint was not well founded.
Lynch had worked at the hospital since 1999. She argued the dismissal was unfair and that the hospital had not properly considered depression as a factor in her absences. The hospital said it dismissed her after repeated attendance and punctuality problems, despite warnings over nearly two years.
The adjudicator noted a series of warnings, including a final written warning, before Lynch’s six-week absence in 2020. She did not contact her manager to explain that absence, though she later told the hearing it followed a miscarriage. After two disciplinary meetings at which she could respond, the adjudicator found the hospital gave her a fair process and had substantial grounds for dismissal. The decision said her continuing attendance problems affected colleagues and the service provided to patients.