The WRC declined to recommend in a worker’s favour in his dispute over illness-benefit deductions from sick pay, and said the merits were not decided. The recommendation was dated 17 October 2023.
The worker sought repayment of €609, saying the deductions reduced his income and disadvantaged part-time staff. The local authority said its sick-leave policy required illness benefit to be recouped or his salary reduced.
The adjudication officer found that the worker had not raised a formal grievance, despite correspondence between his union and the authority, and concluded that he should have used the agreed internal procedure before referring the dispute. As he had retired, the officer did not recommend that he return to the grievance process.