Eamonn McGrath v Southern Health & Social Care Trust [2017]

The claimant worked for the respondent Trust for 24 years. He had an impeccable disciplinary record prior to an event that took place in June 2015. He was put on precautionary suspension and a disciplinary investigation was initiated following an allegation that he had reported for work under the influence of alcohol. He made a full concession at the time and an investigation was commenced by the respondent’s personnel.

In his statement the claimant explained the circumstances surrounding the incident, namely, that his mother-in-law was terminally ill and his wife was also ill. The claimant attended the scheduled OH appointments and agreed to participate in an alcohol monitoring programme.