![]() ![]() However, Ms McElduff said the precipitous manner in which Mr Corrigan was escorted off the premises and the lack of notice about the meeting at which he was being told he was being made redundant confirmed that that the decision was a “fait accompli”. In her ruling, WRC adjudication officer, Anne McElduff, said she was satisfied that the company was genuinely engaged in cost-cutting and staff-reduction measures because it was facing significant financial challenges. Protech also disputed Mr Corrigan’s claims that an annual bonus was guaranteed. The company’s HR manager said the issue of fair selection for redundancy did not arise in Mr Corrigan’s case as he had a “standalone position.” Ms Walsh claimed the company had acted fairly, reasonably and in a transparent manner at all times and that Mr Corrigan only received statutory redundancy of €20,736 because he failed to sign a financial settlement agreement. The company’s vice-president of operations and business development disagreed with the suggestion by counsel for Mr Corrigan, John Curran BL, that the complainant was targeted because of his negative relationship with the general manager. The WRC heard that Mr Corrigan had turned down a financial package which included an ex-gratia severance payment of €19,198. She claimed Mr Corrigan had a standalone position and the only other available role at the time was “wholly unsuitable” for him. Ms Walsh told the WRC that the company had suffered significant financial challenges as a result of the covid-19 pandemic and Brexit which has resulted in 26 other redundancies at the Cork plant between 20. Mr Corrigan also sought over €7,000 which he claimed he was due in guaranteed annual bonuses. He maintained his was not a genuine redundancy as substantive elements of his job could only be done in Cork where his functions and duties continue to be performed. Mr Corrigan said he suffered upset and stress as a result of how he was "treated very badly" by his employer. Under cross-examination by Cara Jane Walsh BL for One51 Es Plastics, Mr Corrigan acknowledged that he was aware at the time that the Cork plant was experiencing financial difficulties. He said he felt “ashamed” and “embarrassed” to have been escorted off the premises later that day after he had given “blood, sweat and tears” to the company. Mr Corrigan said he was told that there were no alternative positions available and he had to “take it or leave it”. The WRC heard Mr Corrigan was called to an unscheduled meeting on May 25, 2020, where he was informed that his role was considered redundant as his duties were being transferred to the firm’s headquarters in Quebec. Mr Corrigan said other changes to his work practices during 2020 represented “a demotion” and had left him feeling “increasingly isolated.” He said he was also disappointed that after years of faithful service he was attacked by the new general manager who accused him of putting the company at serious risk over a new product even though no defects were found with it.
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