The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Louise Ralph €6,000 after finding her selection for redundancy unfair. The decision, dated 19 March 2024, found Easilocks Human Hair Extensions Limited had not meaningfully consulted her before deciding to make her redundant and did not offer an appeal.
Ralph challenged the redundancy process and her selection. Easilocks said financial difficulties required restructuring and no alternative role was available. The adjudicator accepted that a redundancy situation existed and that the decision was made in good faith, but found that discussions came after the decision had effectively been made.
The WRC took account of Ralph’s limited evidence of efforts to find work after her dismissal when setting compensation. In an unfair dismissal case, an employer must establish lawful grounds for dismissal; when relying on redundancy, it must also follow fair procedures.