WRC says church volunteer lacked standing to bring unfair dismissal claim

The WRC ruled that Frank Purcell was not an employee of St Augustinian Church and had no legal standing to pursue an unfair dismissal complaint. The decision was dated 16 July 2026. The merits of whether his removal was fair were not decided. Purcell said he had been a church volunteer and security guard without pay, and claimed he was told to step down without a reason, investigation or appeal. The church argued that no employment relationship existed. The adjudication officer found no evidence of an employment contract or an intention to create one, and concluded that Purcell was not covered by the Unfair Dismissals Act.