Boss took worker out to sea and aggressively quizzed him over missing cash, court hears

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At one point a reference was made to the coldness of the water

A worker has told how he was subjected to physical and mental stress, verbal abuse and that he was forced to resign under duress all while at sea with his employer, the Workplace Relations Commission has heard.

The worker -an employee at an amusement company -  told the Court he was brought out to sea in a speedboat by his boss and aggressively questioned for an hour over a missing €10,000.

During the incident, 4km from shore, the worker said a reference was made to the fact that he would not be able to reach land by swimming because of the coldness of the water.

He also told the WRC that he denies taking the missing money, and that he was 'cold and scared' during the questioning.

He said three people questioned him on the speedboat, the company director, his line manager and a business associate of the company director, and that the director was aggressive in his approach.

Upon reaching the shore, the worker was made to sign a pre-prepared latter of resignation.

The letter, dated April 27, 2017, stated: "I refer to our conversation this morning and wish to confirm my decision to resign with immediate effect," and was signed by the worker.

The firm subsequently posted out a money order of wages that were owed to the worker and the worker returned the order with a note stating: "What you planned and did to me last Thursday morning was unforgivable. I have been a loyal, committed employee for years. I can't understand why. Why did you do what you did?"

The worker said he made a complaint to gardaí about the incident but that no criminal prosecution had followed.

The WRC has upheld the man's claim for unfair dismissal and has awarded him €889 in compensation.