A former accounts manager with Eircom Limited has claimed before the High Court she was offered no "suitable" work by the company for about five years after a position with a branch company in the UK was terminated.

Maria Cronin is suing Eircom for damages for alleged breach of contract. She said she had done nothing wrong but now didn't trust the company and had become a "recluse". She told the court her husband was also suing the company in High Court proceedings over the treatment of his employment.

Ms Cronin (30) Tulfarris Village, Blessington, Co Wicklow said she took up her position as sales support administrator in the UK in April 2000 on secondment after signing a contract. In April 2001 she was "shocked" to receive a letter from management that Eircom UK Ltd was undergoing a dramatic restructuring and did not have a suitable alternative position for her. She was told she would be repatriated to Ireland with effect from May 31st, 2001. Ms Cronin remained with Eircom but said she had been offered no suitable position although she continued to be paid. In a letter of June 13th, she had been told her pay was going to be stopped.

Mr Richard McDonnnell SC, for Ms Cronin, said his client was offered a position in an area which was looked upon as "a career graveyard".

Asked by Mr Patrick Hanratty SC, for Eircom, about what she thought the solution was to the problem, Ms Cronin said: "I don't know what the solution is. If I was to work for them again I would want reassurances".

Eircom denies any breach of contract or that Ms Cronin had suffered loss, damage and or expense as pleaded.

The case resumes on Tuesday.