WRC awards Emma Keane for unpaid leave and excessive hours

The Workplace Relations Commission upheld two complaints by Emma Keane against Midlands Simon Community Clg. It awarded her €2,039.99 for unpaid accrued annual leave, plus €500 compensation for that breach, and €2,500 compensation for excessive weekly hours. The decision was dated 21 January 2025. Keane said she had accrued unpaid leave and routinely worked over 48 hours a week, including out-of-hours call-outs. The respondent said the hours issue was regrettable but unavoidable given demand for its services and funding difficulties. The WRC found that 70 days of statutory leave remained due after accounting for leave taken, and awarded €2,039.99 for the unpaid leave and €500 compensation. It also found that Keane frequently exceeded 48 hours a week and that the respondent had not produced records to rebut her evidence, awarding €2,500 compensation for that breach.