A Thai restaurant has been instructed to compensate a chef with €32,550 (£28,429) after terminating his employment for serving food that had touched the floor to a customer.
The Workplace Relations Commission determined that Ecoco Asian Kitchen, operating establishments in Cornelscourt, Dublin, and Bray, Co Wicklow, unlawfully fired chef Tommy Chee King Eng. Eng had worked for the company for over a decade before being dismissed on June 25, 2025, due to alleged breaches of food safety and hygiene protocols.
Eng alleged that he was fired for serving food that had fallen on the floor after cooking it for a customer, and for using an incorrect method while preparing roast duck. He claimed that during a disciplinary meeting, he left upon facing new accusations supported by CCTV footage, as reported by the Irish Mirror. These accusations included not wearing headwear, touching his head while cooking, and using a mobile phone while handling food.
The chef argued that he was unfairly targeted, as other staff members had engaged in similar actions without facing consequences. Eng also mentioned the lack of a private space during the disciplinary process, with meetings being held in public areas.
Ecoco Asian Kitchen defended its actions, citing concerns over hygiene and food safety issues following their recent management of the restaurant. The company suspended Eng for potential gross misconduct and subsequently terminated his employment based on his responses.
However, the WRC adjudicator criticized the company’s approach, stating that a reasonable employer inheriting a long-serving employee should have provided clear communication of updated standards and offered training for adjustment. The adjudicator highlighted that the allegations against Eng did not warrant immediate dismissal, and corrective steps should have been considered first.
The WRC ruled that the incidents involving Eng were isolated lapses in food handling that did not result in complaints or harm to customers. The commission ordered the company to compensate Eng with €30,150 for unfair dismissal and an additional €2,400 for not providing the required notice period.
The adjudicator criticized the lack of a proper appeal process, the rapid progression of procedures, and the absence of private meeting spaces during the disciplinary process. He concluded that the company’s dismissal of Eng was unjust and unreasonable.
