WRC Rejects Frank Purcell's 16-Year Dismissal Claim Over €0 Volunteer Status
Updated
Updated · The Irish Times · Jul 31
WRC Rejects Frank Purcell's 16-Year Dismissal Claim Over €0 Volunteer Status
2 articles · Updated · The Irish Times · Jul 31
Summary
A WRC adjudicator ruled Frank Purcell cannot pursue an unfair-dismissal case against the Augustinian Order, finding the commission lacked jurisdiction because he had no legal standing as an employee.
€0.00 listed as gross weekly wages on Purcell’s complaint supported the order’s argument that no consideration was paid and no contract of employment existed.
Purcell’s side said he was told to step down in October 2024 after 16 years volunteering at the Limerick church and after warning that “rogues” would try to sell fake relics there.
The order said the move followed complaints from churchgoers, and the adjudicator said Purcell may have acted in the church’s interests but the dispute was not an employment matter.