WRC recommends €2,640 for delay in workplace investigation

The Workplace Relations Commission recommended €2,640 compensation for a worker after finding a lengthy delay in an investigation into an allegation against him. The recommendation was dated 18 July 2024. The worker challenged the preliminary screening, the time taken to complete the investigation, his move to laundry duties and the non-renewal of his fixed-term contract. The employer cited the Covid pandemic and a cyber security attack as factors in the delay, and said it had no obligation to renew his contract. The officer found only the delay element had merit and recommended compensation. The worker contributed to the delay by not frequently checking the email address used for investigation correspondence. The other elements were without merit: the worker did not show that the screening breached policy, laundry duties were part of staff rotation, and the employer had no obligation to renew his contract.