WRC finds Kapesi pay and lay-off complaints not well founded

The Workplace Relations Commission found Kenneth Kapesi’s complaints against Martin Barnes Haulage over pay and lay-off were not well founded. Adjudication Officer David James Murphy’s decision was dated 6 November 2025. Kapesi said he was paid a fixed €150 a day for long hours and was left on unpaid lay-off without clear information about returning to work. The company said it was seasonal, had lost a major contract and placed him on lay-off because of the downturn and his short service. The officer found the contract allowed unpaid lay-off and that no wages were due for periods when Kapesi did not work. He criticised the company’s failure to keep him informed, but found this did not make wages payable. The decision recorded no award.