This matter came before the Labour Court as appeal by the Respondent employer against a decision by an Adjudication Officer who found that the Appellant (McDowell) had been unfairly dismissed and awarded the sum of €15,000 in compensation.

The Appellant was employed by the Respondent since 2018 and contended that she was dismissed without notice between the 27th of February 2020 and the 2nd of March 2020. However, the Respondent contended that she was not dismissed as alleged and contended that the Appellant left the premises on the 27th of February 2020 and did not return and as a consequence remains a ‘live’ relief employee with the Respondent.

The Appellant submitted that in January 2020 she sought permission from