The Labour Court found that Green Energy Ltd unfairly dismissed a lorry driver and recommended €3,000 compensation for the manner of his dismissal. The recommendation was dated 20 July 2009.
The worker had started the job in March 2008. After he was seriously injured in a workplace accident on 5 June, he received a P45 by post while recovering. It gave 6 June as the end date of his employment. He alleged unfair dismissal and said he had raised health and safety concerns.
Green Energy did not attend the hearing, although it had sent the Court reasons for its absence. The Court said the worker had received no reason for his dismissal and no chance to address any concerns about his work. It found the dismissal unfair and said the way it was handled fell short of what a reasonable employer would do.
The Court said the worker’s accident-related loss of earnings was being dealt with separately and was not counted in this case. It recommended compensation for the manner of dismissal.