Sacked worker awarded €30k for unfair dismissal

An employee accused of coming to work under the influence of alcohol and of using abusive language towards a company owner’s wife has been awarded €30,000 for unfair dismissal.

An Employment Appeals Tribunal heard Robert Miller had previously worked with “MM”, owner of Eco-Hygiene Ltd, in another company. When the new firm was established, MM asked him to work for him as a van driver as long as Mr Miller obtained a full driver’s licence.

The company claimed issues began to arise in 2007 when it found the claimant at work apparently under the influence of alcohol. It also claimed he would invariably be on sick leave, particularly following a weekend or bank holiday.