The Workplace Relations Commission found Michelle Jaap was constructively dismissed by The Coffee Mine and ordered €1,500 compensation. Adjudication Officer Máire Mulcahy’s decision was dated 10 April 2026.
Jaap said the owner’s instruction to leave led her to resign. The owner confirmed making the remark in frustration after Jaap had not completed cleaning and dishwasher tasks, but said she was expected back at work. The adjudicator found the remark, followed by silence and a response without an apology or recognition of its import, left Jaap justified in concluding the situation was untenable. Constructive dismissal means an employee resigns because the employer’s conduct makes it reasonable to end the employment.
The WRC also upheld Jaap’s complaint that she had not received written terms within a month and ordered €560 compensation. It upheld her minimum notice complaint and ordered one week’s notice compensation of €280, subject to lawful deductions. Jaap withdrew a separate Equal Status complaint. The adjudicator said Jaap’s efforts to find other work were extremely meagre when setting the unfair dismissal compensation.