Labour Court rejects Brendan Murphy's fixed-term work appeal against ESB Networks

The Labour Court rejected Brendan Murphy's appeal against a Rights Commissioner's decision on his fixed-term work claim against ESB Networks, signing its determination on 7 March 2007. It found his apprenticeship met the essential requirements of an apprenticeship contract and that ESB Networks had not contravened section 9 of the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003. Murphy argued the apprenticeship was continued fixed-term employment and that he should have been offered a contract of indefinite duration. ESB Networks said it was a FÁS-approved scheme involving structured training and distinct work duties.