The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Patrick Murphy €5,600 after finding Rigotec International Limited unfairly dismissed him over an allegation that he removed aluminium sheets without authorisation. The decision was dated 23 January 2026.
Murphy said he was not given a chance to answer the theft accusation or defend himself before he was dismissed. The company argued the dismissal was justified after a pallet went missing and said CCTV showed unauthorised access to stored sheets.
Adjudication Officer Bríd Deering found the employer could reasonably have suspected dishonesty, but should have told Murphy the allegation, shared the evidence and given him a chance to respond before deciding to dismiss him. The decision does not determine whether he took the sheets. The officer found Murphy contributed 50% to his dismissal and reduced compensation for actual loss by a further 60% because he had not taken reasonable steps to find work. The WRC calculated his actual net loss at about €28,000, made no award for prospective loss, and ordered €5,600 compensation.