WRC recommends €5,000 for worker after flawed probation dismissal process

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) recommended that an employer pay a worker €5,000 after finding that her dismissal during probation breached fair procedures. The decision was dated 18 December 2024. The worker said she did not know her performance was considered below standard or that her job was at risk. The employer said she had received onboarding, feedback and targets during her probation. The adjudication officer found the employer had not clearly warned the worker that failing to meet expectations could lead to dismissal. She was not told the possible outcome of the final meeting or given an appeal route. The officer also considered the worker’s lack of engagement with the probation process and recommended a probation policy and communication training for managers.