WRC rejects childcare worker’s discrimination and dismissal complaints

The Workplace Relations Commission rejected a childcare practitioner’s complaints of gender discrimination, harassment, victimisation and constructive dismissal against Vevay Childcare Ltd t/a Little People Academy Creche. Adjudication Officer Michael McEntee’s decision was dated 28 April 2023. Eman Chennit worked at the creche from May 2019 until her employment ended in November 2021. She alleged that the employer had not properly addressed workplace safety concerns and that she faced bullying and victimisation. She resigned, saying the employer’s conduct had made it impossible to return. The employer said it supported her during her pregnancy with risk assessments, staff assistance and changes to duties, while managing staffing shortages and Covid-related absences. A former creche manager gave evidence the adjudicator found persuasive, describing efforts to help Chennit during a difficult period. The adjudicator found insufficient evidence to establish discrimination, harassment or victimisation. He also found that the evidence did not show a serious breach of contract or unreasonable conduct that justified constructive dismissal. Both complaints were found not well founded.