A WOMAN who claimed she was dismissed because she was pregnant has had her case upheld by the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
Maireád O’Neill of Knockananna, Co Wicklow, took a case against her employer, Oldcharm Furniture of Bunclody, Co Wexford, after she was dismissed while on pregnancy-related sick leave in 2007.
Ms O’Neill had been working as an accounts technician with the company for less than 12 months and made a claim of unfair dismissal under special eligibility rules for maternity protection.
She had told the tribunal her employer’s attitude changed after she became pregnant. He started to put pressure on her and her workload doubled, she said.
There was a row on October 9th and Ms O’Neill became upset and left to attend a doctor’s appointment. Afterwards, she submitted a medical certificate for 10 days’ leave. Her employer called her 12 days later and told her he could not work with her anymore.
He told the tribunal he took it that when Ms O’Neill left the office, she had left her job.
In its ruling, the three-member tribunal said a very high degree of protection was given to pregnant employees in situations where the employer was aware of the pregnancy. The tribunal found there were no grounds that “remotely justify summary dismissal”.
It awarded Ms O’Neill almost €9,000.
