The Workplace Relations Commission found that a national school discriminated against a bus escort worker over her retirement dates and ordered it to pay her €12,500. The decision was dated 20 June 2023.
The worker said repeated changes to her retirement date left her uncertain whether she could continue working beyond 65. The school said it considered her request, extended her retirement date in stages and acted in good faith while addressing a complex legal issue.
The WRC found that the retirement dates would have been discriminatory if enforced. Although they were not implemented, the uncertainty caused the worker stress. It found the school had not adequately considered its existing practice of allowing staff to finish the school year or consulted her before refusing her request. The €12,500 compensation reflected the effects of the discrimination; the WRC found no economic loss.
The WRC did not uphold her separate complaints of harassment and victimisation.