The Labour Court increased compensation for hospital doctor Peter Lukco to €20,000 after finding he persistently worked beyond permitted hours and lacked adequate rest breaks. Its determination, dated 26 June 2015, amended a Rights Commissioner’s €3,000 award against HSE South & Kerry General Hospital.
Lukco appealed the refusal to extend the time limit for earlier claims and the amount of compensation. He and his wife had raised concerns about his hours, and medical advice said he could not work more than 48 hours a week. HSE South & Kerry General Hospital cited staffing pressures and described steps to reduce hours and improve compliance.
The Court refused to extend time for claims dating from June 2012 to before 23 October 2012, finding the five-month delay unjustified; the merits of those earlier-period claims were not decided. It allowed the appeal as to compensation, finding the €3,000 award disproportionate to the breaches and amending it to €20,000.