The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ordered Tesco Ireland Limited to pay Karen Rice €40,000 after finding that her dismissal was discriminatory on the disability ground. The decision, dated 16 January 2025, also addressed a linked finding that Tesco failed to provide reasonable accommodation; the WRC made one award for both matters.
The WRC found Tesco relied on an older medical report and a later consultant assessment that did not provide medical advice, and had not obtained an up-to-date medical opinion before dismissing Rice. Tesco denied discrimination and said it had explored whether she could return to work and whether adjustments were possible. Rice withdrew her redundancy complaint and a second equality complaint.