Ecoco Asian Kitchen, a Thai restaurant with branches in Cornelscourt, Dublin, and Bray, Co Wicklow, has been instructed to compensate chef Tommy Chee King Eng with €32,550 (£28,429) for wrongful dismissal. The Workplace Relations Commission found that the chef, who had worked for the company for over a decade, was unjustly terminated on June 25, 2025, over alleged food safety breaches.
Mr. Eng contended that his firing was unjustified, citing incidents where he served food that had touched the floor and used an incorrect method in preparing roast duck. He left a disciplinary meeting when faced with new accusations backed by CCTV footage, claiming unfair treatment compared to other staff members.
Ecoco Asian Kitchen defended its actions, stating concerns about hygiene and food safety surfaced shortly after taking over the restaurant. The company suspended and later dismissed Mr. Eng based on suspicions of gross misconduct.
However, WRC adjudication officer Breiffni O’Neill criticized the restaurant’s handling of the situation, highlighting the lack of clear communication on revised standards and failure to explore Mr. Eng’s explanations thoroughly. The WRC concluded that the company’s decision to terminate the chef was excessive and ordered compensation of €30,150 for unfair dismissal and an additional €2,400 for not providing a statutory notice period.
