The Workplace Relations Commission found Charles Lahiff’s dismissal by St Margarets Recycling & Transfer Centre Limited procedurally unfair after an allegation that he took company property. The decision, dated 27 July 2023, awarded him €6,000 for financial loss and €548 for one week’s notice.
Lahiff said he was not given advance notice of the investigation meeting or a chance to have a representative present. The employer said he admitted taking a piece of metal without permission, later denied it, and was dismissed for gross misconduct after a fair process.
The WRC found Lahiff lacked representation when responding to the serious allegation and that the Office Manager both investigated and decided the case, so the dismissal process was not impartial. It took his contribution to the dismissal into account when setting compensation at €6,000, below the stated €7,500 financial loss, and separately awarded one week’s notice of €548. The WRC also upheld his minimum notice complaint.