The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded Maurice Dunphy €25,000 after finding South Dublin County Partnership Company Limited By Guarantee discriminated against him on age grounds. In a decision dated 15 November 2023, the WRC found the company had not justified refusing his request to work beyond its compulsory retirement age of 66.
Dunphy, an educational coordinator, asked to extend his employment. The company cited financial pressure and intergenerational fairness, including its aim of limiting redundancies. The adjudication officer found those reasons had not been made clear when the extension was refused, and the company had previously allowed extensions. It did not show that retirement was necessary to prevent another worker’s redundancy, or that alternatives had been explored.
The officer found that the refusal caused Dunphy genuine upset and undermined his dignity. The award of €25,000 was approximately seven months’ pay.