WRC says compromise agreement bars Declan Coleman’s 28 complaints

The Workplace Relations Commission found it had no jurisdiction to inquire into 28 complaints brought by Declan Coleman against Drogheda Lodge Limited, the company that operated the pub where he worked. The decision was dated 30 September 2022; the merits were not decided. Coleman said he had been unfairly selected for redundancy when the pub reopened after Covid restrictions. The company argued that a compromise agreement he signed when his employment ended settled his claims and prevented him from bringing them to the WRC. Coleman said he signed under dispute and had not received a text offering to fund legal advice. The adjudication officer found the agreement compromised claims arising from Coleman’s employment. The decision says the company had offered €200 plus VAT towards legal advice and that the agreement referred to independent advice and the effect on future claims. The WRC therefore found it could not inquire into the complaints.