Labour Court rejects union claim over laboratory vacancy at Henry Denny & Sons

The Labour Court recommended that the union’s claim against Henry Denny & Sons Limited fail, finding the company had not breached the collective agreement when filling a Central Microbiological Laboratory vacancy. The dispute concerned whether seniority should determine who got the post. The union argued the most senior applicant should have been appointed. The Court found the agreement allowed management to assess applicants’ suitability using several criteria, including education, qualifications, experience and seniority. The successful applicant had direct experience in the laboratory, while the most senior applicant did not. The recommendation was dated 6 May 2021.