The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that Emer McGrath discriminated against nanny Naomi Hanlon by dismissing her after she disclosed her pregnancy. The WRC decision, dated 3 March 2025, awarded Hanlon €55,575 for the effects of the discrimination.
McGrath said the dismissal followed concerns including an alleged resignation and outside business activity. Hanlon denied resigning. The adjudication officer found the informal conversation disputed, the alleged resignation was not unambiguous, and the dismissal process lacked an investigation, fair hearing and appeal. The officer found the respondent had not established that the dismissal was unrelated to pregnancy.
The WRC also upheld Hanlon’s complaint that she had not received daily rest on a weekend when she cared for the children throughout, awarding €500. It upheld a complaint about missing information in her employment terms but awarded no compensation. Three other working-time complaints, about rest breaks, a complaint she did not pursue and payment for unused annual leave, were rejected.