Labour Court recommends compensation for workers affected by Smithfield site closure

In 1998, the Labour Court recommended compensation for eligible members of the Building And Allied Trades Union who lost earnings when the Health and Safety Authority closed the Smithfield site from 26 March to 10 April. The recommendation, dated 3 December, covered members employed immediately before the closure who resumed work when the site reopened and showed evidence of claiming unemployment benefit. Compensation was to equal actual lost earnings minus Social Welfare Benefit received, with individual amounts to be agreed by the parties. The union said its safety representative had raised hazardous conditions before the closure. Heritage Properties said the accident followed the unauthorised removal of planks and handrails.