Labour Court recommends €1,000 for Dunnes Stores worker unfairly dismissed

In 2004, the Labour Court found a worker was not fairly dismissed by Dunnes Stores and recommended €1,000 compensation. The recommendation was dated 20 December 2004. The worker had one week of certified sick leave in May 2004 and was called to a meeting she thought was a return-to-work interview. She said she had received no written warning and did not know her job was at risk. Dunnes Stores said she had excessive sick leave during probation and was dismissed under its disciplinary procedures. The Court found that fair and transparent procedures had not been followed and that the worker had not been told her employment was in jeopardy. It urged the company to explain employees’ situations in writing during disciplinary procedures.