The Workplace Relations Commission found Liam Murphy’s age discrimination complaint against Deepak Fasteners (Shannon) Ltd not well founded. In a decision dated 9 May 2024, an adjudication officer ruled that the company’s retirement age of 65 was justified.
Murphy, a general operator who had worked for the company for more than 45 years, said he was discriminated against when it refused his request to continue working until 66. The company said its age limit supported workforce planning, safety and opportunities for younger workers.
The officer accepted that the machinery work involved physical demands and safety risks, and that the company needed to plan for retirements and recruit staff with new skills. The decision also found that the company had not followed recommended procedures for considering requests to work longer, including providing a proper appeal process. The officer nevertheless concluded that the retirement age was objectively justified and proportionate in the circumstances.