The Workplace Relations Commission found it had no jurisdiction to investigate four complaints brought by Jackson Ford against Deci Ltd, so the merits were not decided. The decision was dated 9 November 2023.
Ford, a Recruitment and Talent Lead, was made redundant in May 2023. He said the decision followed concerns he raised about health and safety, GDPR and his own safety, and alleged discrimination and isolation at work. Deci Ltd said he had accepted a severance agreement waiving employment-related claims after taking independent legal advice.
The adjudicator considered whether Ford understood the agreement and had an opportunity to obtain legal advice. Ford confirmed that he had consulted a specialist legal representative and understood the agreement was legally binding. The WRC was satisfied he understood its meaning and constraints, and concluded that the agreement prevented it from investigating the complaints under the redundancy, equality and industrial relations laws involved.