The Workplace Relations Commission recommended that a policing service pay a worker €5,000 compensation for an unreasonable delay in deciding whether to classify her sick leave as an injury on duty. The recommendation was dated 14 November 2024.
The worker sought a review of the refusal to reclassify her absences and compensation for the delay. She argued that workplace treatment and a disciplinary process contributed to her absences, and that her employer had not followed its procedures. The service maintained that it had considered relevant information and medical advice.
The adjudicator found that the worker’s application had been thoroughly considered and that the decision to keep her absences classified as ordinary illness was reasonable. She recommended no change to that decision. An internal investigation had found undue delay in processing the application, with no reason given for it. The adjudicator found the delay unreasonable and said it caused further anxiety that could have been avoided.
The WRC recommended €5,000 compensation in recognition of the delay. The recommendation did not change the classification of the worker’s absences.