WRC dismisses Sejal Tandel’s unfair dismissal claim over severance waiver

The Workplace Relations Commission dismissed Sejal Tandel’s unfair dismissal claim against Accenture Limited, finding that she had waived her right to bring it in a severance agreement. The decision, dated 1 May 2024, says the merits were not decided. Tandel said she signed the agreement to maintain financial stability and did not accept that it waived her right to challenge her redundancy. Accenture argued that the agreement settled employment-related claims and that the WRC had no jurisdiction to hear her complaint. The adjudicator found that the waiver had been explained in writing and at a meeting, and that Tandel understood its effect. She had been advised in writing to seek independent advice and given money for that purpose, but did not take advice. The WRC found it lacked jurisdiction to hear the claim.