WRC rejects betting shop manager’s lost overtime pay complaint

The Workplace Relations Commission found a betting shop manager’s complaint against Flutter Entertainment Plc not well founded after her overtime hours fell when shops reopened during the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision, dated 11 November 2022, concerned Jackie Brown’s claim that the reduction amounted to an unlawful deduction from wages. Brown said she had regularly worked 48 hours a week, including overtime, but was rostered for 40 hours after reopening. The company said her contract provided for 40 hours, with overtime only when business needs required and it was approved. The adjudicator found the overtime was regular and rostered but not compulsory; pay for hours not worked was not wages properly payable. The decision also said using lower-paid part-time workers to cover those hours saved 33% in wage costs.