WRC upholds Odeon worker’s unfair-dismissal complaint but awards no compensation

The Workplace Relations Commission found Hao Tinghao’s unfair-dismissal complaint against Kivaway Limited t/a The Odeon well founded, but awarded no compensation. The decision, dated 18 October 2023, found the dismissal procedurally unfair because the employer did not meaningfully hear his account, warn him that failing to return could lead to dismissal, or provide an appeal route. The officer also considered Tinghao’s contribution to his dismissal. He had been unavailable to return to work and could not say when he would be available; in the circumstances, the officer considered the dismissal reasonable and proportionate and deemed compensation nil.