Dental Practice Manager Awarded US$20,532 in Unfair Dismissal Case

UK: A dental practice manager, Zsuzsanna Budai, has been awarded €19,000 (US$20,532) in a case related to unfair dismissal and other employment law breaches. Budai claimed that she was subjected to a “verbally abusive tirade” by her employer before being unexpectedly fired from her role at Acd Practice Management Ltd, also known as Ardrum Clinic.

Budai described her termination as sudden and distressing. She alleged that there was no prior discussion, grievance procedure, or any warning before she was terminated on December 7th, 2021. The abrupt decision left her feeling “devastated and shocked.”

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Allegations of Employer’s Burnout

Budai raised concerns about her employer, Dr. Borbala Csordas, possibly suffering from burnout due to extended absences from work. She indicated that her inquiry about Dr. Csordas’s return to work might have triggered the employer.

Budai had been employed at the dental practice since 2013, initially as a receptionist and later as a practice manager. A transfer of undertakings (TUPE) took place in 2016 when Dr. Csordas, who had previously worked as a dentist at the practice, became the new owner.

During her tenure, Budai reported having a positive working relationship with Dr. Csordas. She received pay raises, bonuses, and enjoyed company-paid staff holidays. However, she observed changes in the workplace, including late or incomplete salary payments and the departure of staff members, including a hygienist and a dentist.

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Allegations of Verbal Abuse and Economic Loss

Ms. Budai claimed that on the day of her dismissal, she was subjected to a “verbally abusive tirade.” She asserted that she requested a dismissal letter but never received one. She also highlighted discrepancies in her final pay, stating that she should have been paid until December 31st, 2021, but received €750 less than expected.

In a case where the respondent, Dr. Borbala Csordas, did not attend the hearing due to reported illness, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found in favour of Budai. The WRC adjudication officer, Lefre de Burgh, deemed the dismissal procedurally unfair and awarded Budai €15,000 for unfair dismissal, an additional €3,215 in relation to a Minimum Notice claim, and €750 for a Payment of Wages claim.

The case highlights the importance of adhering to proper dismissal procedures and ensuring fair treatment of employees in the workplace.