The Workplace Relations Commission found Claire Hopkins was unfairly dismissed by Pat Mulhern Civil Engineering(Ireland) Ltd T/A The Dolphin Hotel and awarded her €2,650 compensation. The decision was dated 28 September 2023.
The dispute centred on whether Hopkins had enough service to bring a claim and whether she had resigned or been dismissed. The officer found that periods of lay-off and receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment did not break her continuous service, and that she had been dismissed without notice on 31 July 2022 over issues related to her working arrangements and perceived lack of flexibility and cooperation.
The employer argued that Hopkins lacked the required service and had left voluntarily. The officer also found that Hopkins made a significant contribution to the employer’s decision, including by making no effort to meet the hotel manager after he suggested a meeting. Ten weeks’ pay was considered appropriate compensation.