General Operative v Production Facility [2024]

Background:

The Worker commenced employment with the Employer on 3 October 2022. On 30 November 2022, the Worker went on sick leave until 12 December 2022, providing medical certificates during this time. The Worker was hospitalised for alcohol-related reasons on 3 January 2023, the day which the Worker was expected to return from work from the Christmas break. On 5 January 2023 the worker emailed the Employer, advising them of the reason for his absence and the his prior challenges with addiction. The Employer’s HR department was initially sympathetic and advised the Worker to take time off if required. However, later that day, the Employer advised the Worker that he was terminated with