The Labour Court upheld a €1,000 compensation recommendation for a Montessori teacher dismissed by Helena Patterson, trading as Kilkenny Crèche & Montessori School, after finding that the procedures used were deficient. The decision was signed on 22 June 2012.
The worker said the decision to dismiss her had been made before she could answer concerns about her performance and that she had no chance to appeal. Patterson said the worker knew about the concerns and had opportunities to respond, and was dismissed after repeatedly failing to follow reasonable instructions. The worker also disputed some instructions.
The Rights Commissioner found that the employer had not followed fair procedures or allowed an appeal, while also finding that the worker had unreasonably refused some instructions. The Commissioner recommended €1,000 in compensation in full and final settlement. The employer appealed, but the Labour Court found the procedures deficient and upheld the recommendation.