Why Employers Must Take Remote Hearings Just as Seriously as In-Person Proceedings
A WRC hearing was adjourned after a key defence witness attempted to give evidence while travelling on a train. The case, brought under the Payment of Wages Act 1991 against the South East Technological University Student Union (SETUSU), was abandoned mid-call due to poor preparation and lack of professionalism from the respondent’s side.
The adjudication officer’s response was direct: “You might as well be out on the main street.”
This unusual case offers a serious HR lesson: Virtual hearings demand the same level of formality and preparation as physical ones.
What Happened?
- A scheduled WRC hearing was convened via video link.
- The welfare officer, who was named as a key witness, dialled in from a moving train.
- The president of the student union was calling in from a car.
- The adjudicator halted the hearing, citing background noise and the lack of a secure, private setting.
The case was adjourned and will be re-scheduled – wasting time and likely reflecting negatively on the respondent’s preparedness.
What Went Wrong?
1. Lack of a Safe, Private, and Professional Environment
Virtual WRC hearings still require confidentiality, focus, and formal conduct. A train carriage does not meet that standard.
Best Practice: Ensure all participants are in a quiet, private location free from distractions, background noise, or data security risks.
2. Failure to Apply for a Postponement
The adjudicator noted that if witnesses weren’t available in a suitable environment, a postponement should have been requested in advance.
Best Practice: Anticipate logistical conflicts. If a key witness is travelling, apply for an adjournment through proper channels.
3. Undermining the Seriousness of the Process
By allowing a key witness to testify from public transport, the respondent appeared unprepared and informal, potentially damaging credibility in the eyes of the WRC.
Best Practice: Prepare witnesses in advance. Conduct a tech and etiquette briefing for all participants before any remote hearing.
Lessons for Employers & HR Teams
Whether in person or remote:
- Always treat WRC hearings with the utmost formality.
- Coach witnesses on how to present themselves and where to attend from.
- Arrange private, well-connected rooms for video attendance.
- Engage HR consultants or legal advisors to prepare thoroughly.
Remote Doesn’t Mean Relaxed
At Bloom Consultancy, we support businesses with:
- WRC preparation and representation
- Virtual hearing coordination and witness briefings
- Training on legal etiquette in remote settings
- Dispute resolution and wage-related compliance
Get in touch if your team needs guidance on navigating WRC hearings, remotely or in person.
This article is based on public decisions of the Workplace Relations Commission and reported case summaries from Irish media sources. It is intended as a commentary on HR compliance issues relevant to employers and HR professionals in Ireland.