WRC awards Gary Keating €4,836 for unfair dismissal by ACTS

The Workplace Relations Commission found Gary Keating was unfairly dismissed by Accessible Community Transport Southside (t/a ACTS) and awarded him €4,836. The decision, dated 26 October 2022, said the employer had not proved grounds justifying the dismissal. Keating worked as a driver three days a week from April 2019. ACTS terminated his employment with immediate effect in June 2021, saying he had failed to make himself available for shifts and was required to work exclusively for the organisation. Keating said he was available on his usual days and had received no warning or invitation to a disciplinary meeting. ACTS did not attend the hearing, but Keating attended with a representative. The adjudicator found the employer had not established substantial grounds for dismissal and considered its conduct unreasonable. Keating continued part-time work elsewhere, which became full-time from 11 October 2021. The award covers actual loss from 14 July to 11 October 2021, based on his net weekly remuneration.