A STABLE manager has been awarded €57,500 in compensation after successfully taking up his case for unfair dismissal with The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

The WRC heard that Charlie Wheatley lost his job, accommodation and stabling for his horse when he was abruptly dismissed by Donagh and Anita Kelly in April of last year after commencing working for them in October 2018.

WRC documents show Mr Wheatley claimed Ms Kelly came to him in an “agitated, angry state” on April 7th, 2022 and told him he was dismissed. He claimed there were no discussions on the matter, nor any offer of an appeal.

Mr Wheatley’s evidence included claims of a long career in the equine industry, and that “all had gone well” in his role with no complaints brought to his attention.

The evidence stated there had been a possible “difference of opinion” over dressage horses involving another rider and horse owner but that this was “nothing of any major significance”.

Mr Wheatley’s solicitor, John Joy of John M Joy & Co, said his client earned €1,726 a month as well as accommodation and stabling for his own horse.

Mr Wheatley also lodged claims against his former employer under the Terms of Employment (Information) Act, 1994, and the Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Act, 1973, alleging a failure to give him notice pay or a written contract.

WRC adjudicator Michael McEntee found that employment law had been “egregiously breached” in the case and ordered the stable owners to pay accommodation expenses for Mr Wheatley for a year, livery fees for his horse and the maximum compensation for lost earnings of two years’ salary.

In his decision, he said there was “no mitigating evidence” from the stable owners as none had been presented.

The Kellys were “fully aware of the date and time of the hearing”, WRC documents state.

The adjudicator ordered the Kellys to pay Mr Wheatley the maximum compensation of two years’ salary – €41,000 – for the dismissal. He also awarded €15,000 for the loss of Mr Wheatley’s accommodation and €1,000 to cover livery fees for his horse.

A further €500 was awarded for the failure to provide a written statement of terms of employment.

Mr McEntee called it a “significant award” but one he considered “just and equitable” in the circumstances.