The Workplace Relations Commission found that Irish Whiskey Museum Ltd constructively dismissed its former general manager, Nicola McDonnell, and awarded her €22,540. The decision, dated 30 November 2022, said the employer's actions made it reasonable for her to resign.
McDonnell said the owner's conduct had made her position untenable, describing exclusion and the undermining of her role. The museum denied putting pressure on her to resign. The WRC found that emails showed the employer no longer wanted her to stay and that other incidents, including restricting her access to email and the museum, collectively supported her case. The evidence from the respondent was not sufficient to rebut her claims.
The WRC said constructive dismissal occurs when an employee resigns because the employer's conduct makes it reasonable to leave or breaks a fundamental term of the employment contract. A duplicate unfair dismissal complaint was withdrawn at the hearing.