The Workplace Relations Commission found that Dental Care Brilliantsmile Limited dismissed Oliwia Pietruczuk because she was pregnant and ordered the clinic to pay her €10,000. The decision was dated 1 November 2024.
Pietruczuk said her hours were reduced after she told the clinic she was pregnant, she was left off the roster and was offered online work without guaranteed hours or financial security. The clinic denied dismissing or discriminating against her, saying she stopped attending work and that it had tried to accommodate her. The adjudication officer found she was effectively dismissed after being left off the roster and directed toward the online role.
The WRC also awarded €7,500 for distress caused by discrimination and €2,500 for the failure to provide written employment terms. Pietruczuk withdrew her unfair dismissal complaint. Pregnancy discrimination means unfavourable treatment connected to pregnancy; the officer found the clinic’s treatment, including reducing her hours and changing her duties, was discriminatory.