Pharmacist Awarded €50,000 for Pregnancy-related Discriminatory Dismissal

In this Case, a supervising pharmacist was awarded €50,000 by the WRC after the Adjudicator found that she had been discriminatorily dismissed following disclosure of her pregnancy. The Complainant established facts sufficient to shift the burden of proof to her Employer and as the Respondent did not provide any objective reasons unrelated to her pregnancy to explain the dismissal, the Adjudicator found that the dismissal was discriminatory.

The level of compensation awarded in this recent decision highlights the importance of taking particular care when dealing with workplace issues concerning pregnancy or gender which are protected under employment equality legislation. Ensuring that all employment decisions are supported by legitimate, objective and properly documented reasons and that fair procedures are followed is essential to minimise the risk of a discrimination claim.

To learn more about partnering with Adare Trusted People Partners’ Leading HR & Employment Law Experts, please contact Neil McCormack nmccormack@adarehrm.ie today.