Labour Court declines to recommend concession of Debenhams worker’s redundancy claim

The Labour Court did not recommend conceding a worker’s claim that she felt compelled to take voluntary redundancy after Debenhams Retail Ireland refused her request for reduced hours. The recommendation was signed on 2 November 2011. The worker said she lacked information about the offer and felt pressurised because she could not return to full-time work. Debenhams said it gave her the information and time to decide. The Court found the company had made reasonable efforts to inform staff absent from work and had not pressured her to accept redundancy. The Court also found she was entitled to bring the claim: the waiver was presented on her termination day, was not explained, and she had no opportunity to seek independent advice.