€53,000 Settlement for Sham Redundancy

At WorkplaceDisputes.ie we recently negotiated a settlement of €53,000 for a senior sales executive unfairly targeted in a redundancy process due to personal differences with a newly appointed sales director.

The Issue

Our client, a seasoned national account manager with over eight years of service, was well-respected and successful in their role. However, tensions emerged when a coworker, with whom our client had prior issues concerning bullying, was promoted to the position of sales director.

Around this time, the company-initiated plans to reduce overheads within the Dublin territory. The new sales director placed our client's position "at risk" of redundancy—a decision our client believed was motivated by personal bias rather than genuine business needs. Seeking expert support, they approached Workplace Disputes.ie.

Workplace Disputes.ie Steps In

Upon reviewing the situation, we quickly identified that the redundancy process was being used as a façade for unfair dismissal. Our approach focused on empowering our client while methodically documenting the employer's procedural failings.

How We Assisted:

1. Legal Advice
   We educated our client about their rights and the legal conditions employers must adhere to during redundancy processes.
2. Document Trail
   We assisted in creating a detailed documentary evidence trail, highlighting the employer's errors and bias. This became a crucial asset during negotiations.
3. Strategic Guidance
   Collaborating with our client, we devised a strategy that minimised stress while allowing the employer to commit critical procedural mistakes.
4. Negotiation Expertise
   At the appropriate moment, we raised a grievance outlining the employer's procedural shortcomings and personal targeting. This opened the door to "without prejudice" negotiations for a fair settlement.
5. Emotional Support
   We provided ongoing emotional support, enabling our client to focus on securing alternative employment and approach the situation strategically rather than emotionally.

The Outcome

Our strategic approach led to a settlement of €53,000, equivalent to one year's salary, paid in a tax-efficient manner. Notably, our client had already secured alternative employment, effectively gaining a bonus year's income as a result of the settlement.

Empowering Employees

This case underscores the importance of standing up against sham redundancy and the value of expert support in achieving fair outcomes. At Workplace Disputes.ie, we ensure employees are empowered to defend their rights while minimising unnecessary stress.

If you're facing challenges in your workplace, contact Workplace Disputes.ie for confidential advice and support. Let us help you achieve the fair outcome you deserve.