19/06/2026
ADJ-00045744 case saw an employee take a number of claims against his former employer, including complaints relating to constructive dismissal, penalisation for making a protected disclosure and record-keeping obligations.
The case arose after the employee raised concerns regarding newly installed CCTV in the workplace, questioning why employees had not been informed in advance whether the installation had been carried out appropriately. Shortly afterwards, he was issued with a revised contract which sought to reduce his hours, pay and duties.
The employer maintained that CCTV had been installed for legitimate security reasons following theft incidents and argued that a downturn in business required changes to staffing arrangements and available work.
However, the Adjudicator found that the employer failed to discharge the burden of proof that the employee had not been penalised following his complaint. Internal WhatsApp messages referring to the employee as the person "causing all this ruckus" and describing him as a "negative virus" were among the evidence considered.
The WRC ultimately awarded the employee €44,065, comprising €40,000 for penalisation linked to a protected disclosure, €3,065 for constructive dismissal and €1,000 for failures relating to statutory records.
For employers, the case serves as a reminder to consult before changing core contractual terms and to ensure that employee complaints or protected disclosures are handled with caution and objectivity.
For further advice, call 089-2440457 /
[email protected] www.hrbuddy.ie
