The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Ian Church €5,750 after finding he was constructively dismissed following a unilateral reduction in his hourly rate. The decision, dated 5 February 2025, was made by adjudication officer Gaye Cunningham. Four other complaints were rejected.
Church, an electrical supervisor with Hpl Engineering Services Ltd, said his hourly rate was reduced from €33.03 to €25.72. The company said the reduction was an administrative error, the difference was repaid, and Church had not resigned when he lodged his claim. The WRC found the sudden pay reduction was a significant breach of contract and that Church’s repeated enquiries about it meant the lack of a formal grievance was not fatal to his claim. It rejected his complaints over wages, terms of employment, public holidays and annual leave.