The Workplace Relations Commission awarded manufacturing manager Neil Lavery €19,125 after finding that Cartamundi Ireland Limited unfairly dismissed him. The decision was dated 14 February 2024.
The company said it dismissed Lavery after concerns about his behaviour towards colleagues and his refusal to discuss them with senior managers. Those concerns had been gathered in a report based on confidential interviews with 50 employees. Lavery argued that he had not received the full report or the identities of those making allegations, and had no chance to question them.
The adjudication officer found that the process lacked transparency and a fair opportunity for Lavery to answer the allegations or question witnesses. The officer also said Lavery contributed to the situation and took that into account. Reinstatement and re-engagement were considered inappropriate because the company had ceased trading.