The Workplace Relations Commission directed Student Facilities & Services (UCC) Designated Activity Company (DAC) T/A Unisalon to pay hairdresser Tracey Ring €1,920 for unfair dismissal and €480 for failing to provide minimum notice. The decision was dated 9 January 2023.
Ring worked part-time at the salon in the UCC Student Centre. She said she did not receive a letter the company said it had sent in July 2021, and first learned in September that her role was gone. The company said Covid restrictions had caused its business to collapse and that it had given her six weeks’ notice.
The adjudication officer preferred Ring’s evidence and found that she had been dismissed without notice or the usual dismissal procedures. A fair redundancy process should tell an employee their role is at risk, involve genuine consultation, consider suitable alternative work and provide a right of appeal. The officer found these steps had not been taken.
The WRC upheld both complaints, directing the company to pay €1,920 for unfair dismissal and €480 for minimum notice.