Two employees of a Bank of Ireland subsidiary who were fired for circulating “offensive and disturbing” e-mails have been awarded more than €65,000 between them by the Employment Appeals Tribunal for unfair dismissal.
Sarah Murray (26), Glasthule, Co Dublin, and Sarah Rooney (26), Ballybrack, Co Dublin, were both fired from ICS in 2009 following an investigation into e-mails sent by 37 staff, five of whom were fired and five given warnings.
The tribunal ruled the women breached their employer’s e-mail policy, but determined the investigation into their actions was flawed.
The tribunal ruled the dismissal was not a proportionate response and was unfair. Ms Murray was awarded €29,200 in compensation, while Ms Rooney received €36,100.