The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Gerard Byrne €14,300 after finding that Divinity Tile And Bathrooms unfairly dismissed him. The decision, dated 29 November 2023, concerned Byrne’s claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.
Byrne said he was told he was suspended indefinitely without pay in April 2022 and believed he had been dismissed. The company said a business slowdown led it to lay off Byrne and his brother temporarily, then later sought his return. The adjudication officer found Byrne was dismissed and that there were no substantial grounds justifying it.
The officer also found Byrne had not made sufficient efforts to find work in May 2022 and awarded no compensation for that month. He later attended a business course and worked to establish a business with his father; the officer considered six months a reasonable start-up period. The €14,300 was awarded as a just and equitable remedy.