Patricia Malone v Trinity College Dublin [2023]

Background:

The Complainant was a catering assistant employed by the Respondent since August 2005 and working on a contract of indefinite duration (a permanent contract). In October 2021 the catering staff of the Respondent were advised of the introduction of a group income protection plan and voluntary life assurance plan to be added to all pension plans held by that staff. The plans were to be rolled out automatically unless any person “opted out” and were due to benefit approximately 3,000 employees, according to the Respondent.

The Complainant wished to avail of this benefit and so took no action. When the Complainant’s pay did not include deductions for the plans, the Complainant