The Workplace Relations Commission found Nicole Johnston was unfairly dismissed by Early Journeys Creche and awarded her €5,500 in compensation. The decision, dated 22 May 2023, says the employer dismissed her without giving details of allegations or applying procedures.
Johnston began work as a childcare practitioner in February 2017. She said the creche emailed her on 27 May 2022 to say her employment was terminated with immediate effect. The respondent did not attend the hearing, and her evidence was uncontested.
The WRC found there had been no investigation, disciplinary procedure or formal appeal hearing. It said the decision to dismiss was unreasonable and disproportionate, and that it fell outside the range of reasonable responses open to an employer. The WRC considered financial compensation appropriate and directed the creche to pay €5,500, which it described as just and equitable in the circumstances.