WRC rejects food worker’s unfair dismissal complaint

The Workplace Relations Commission found that a worker at a food company was not unfairly dismissed after the company said he possessed drug paraphernalia in breach of its intoxicants policy. The decision was dated 15 September 2023. The worker disputed the allegation, saying the items had other uses, and challenged the investigation, including the use of CCTV and the withholding of an anonymous accuser’s identity. The company said the policy allowed dismissal for possessing drug paraphernalia. The adjudication officer found the process was fair: the worker was told dismissal was possible, had representation and could appeal. Given the policy and food-safety context, the officer found dismissal proportionate and within the range of reasonable responses. The complaint was not well founded.