Latest news with #PaulWard
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Businessman fired for 'old school' methods of meeting clients on golf course loses age discrimination claim
A sales representative who was fired for meeting clients on a golf course has lost his claim that he was discriminated against on age grounds because his employer described his business style as 'old school'. The Workplace Relations Commission heard that Paul Ward was dismissed for gross misconduct from his job as business development manager with oil distribution firm, Scotts Fuels (Ireland) Limited, on October 3rd 2024, after eight months in the role. Advertisement Mr Ward claimed the company had breached the Employment Equality Act 1998 by discriminating against him on the grounds of his age. The businessman gave evidence that his use of a golf course for meeting clients was described as an 'old school' approach which he regarded as 'dismissive and ageist.' He told the WRC that he had been headhunted by Scotts Fuels from his previous job where he had over 28 years of proven success in sales and client relationships Mr Ward said he was initially offered a salary of €70,000 which he declined but accepted a role when the offer was increased to €110,000. Advertisement He explained that a key factor in his decision to leave a stable and long-standing job to accept the new role was the promise of full autonomy in developing and implementing sales strategies. Mr Ward told the WRC that his work methods including informal meetings such as rounds of golf which he claimed had previously proven to be effective in fostering client trust and business development. The WRC heard that he was called to an unexpected disciplinary hearing in September 2024 when he discovered that a GPS tracker had been installed on his company vehicle. Mr Ward said the company, which did not attend the WRC hearing, accused him of misconduct on the basis of three instances where he was at a golf club. Advertisement Despite confirmation from clients that the meetings on the golf course were legitimate and business-related, Mr Ward said he was dismissed for gross misconduct on October 3rd, 2024. The complainant said the decision to fire him was excessive as his conduct warranted, at most, an informal warning if such meetings were no longer acceptable. Mr Ward said he believed the immediate jump to dismiss him made him suspect that the outcome was predetermined and possibly influenced by his age and more traditional, relationship-focused approach to sales. He also claimed the disciplinary process was flawed and riddled with procedural failings. Advertisement He said his question as to whether the vehicles of other employees were also monitored was ignored which reinforced his suspicion that he was the subject of targeted scrutiny. The WRC heard that a younger, less experienced colleague, who joined the company on the same day and who was likely to be on a lower salary, was retained. Entertainment 600 apply for the 16 places on Trinity acting cour... Read More Mr Ward said he felt his dismissal was not related to his performance but rooted in biased assumptions about his age and salary. WRC adjudication officer, Breiffni O'Neill said the complainant's case was based on his belief that his dismissal was influenced by age-based discrimination because of the reference to his 'old school' approach to business. However, Mr O'Neill said the expression was widely recognised in its common usage as referring to 'traditional, longstanding, or previously standard practices.' Advertisement The WRC official said it was not inherently age-specific and might be applied to individuals of any age who engage in conventional methods. 'It is generally interpreted as indicative of a way of operating rather than a reference to a person's age,' observed Mr O'Neill Dismissing the claim, he ruled that the use of the phrase did not constitute prima facie evidence of age discrimination.
CairoScene
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Monochrome Monday: The Biscuit Edition
Whether it's a structured vest, slouchy trousers, or a perfectly worn-in set, Biscuit has that rare ability to make anything feel instantly put together. There's something about Pantone's Biscuit—that perfect midpoint between beige and caramel—that just works. Warm but not heavy, neutral but never flat. The color of frothed oat milk, a buttery suede trench, the softest knit you pull out every fall. It's the shade that makes an outfit feel put-together without trying too hard. Neutrals are nothing new, but Biscuit hits different—somewhere between timeless and right-now. The '50s had camel coats on Hollywood icons, the '70s made beige bohemian with suede-on-suede layers, and the '90s minimalists turned it into a crisp, clean uniform. Now? It's back, wrapped in quiet luxury—tonal dressing, oversized tailoring, buttery leather bags—a shade that just looks expensive. Zolf | The Lotus Kaftan This is the kind of kaftan that makes you feel like you should be sipping mint tea in a sun-drenched riad. The biscuit-toned fabric flows effortlessly, adorned with delicate floral embroidery. Eqourla | Leather Set This set is edgy, but in a 'I threw this on and looked this good' kind of way. The structured leather jacket cuts right at the waist for that perfect boxy silhouette, yet the matching mini keeps it sharp. Pair with knee-high boots or chunky heels and thank us later. Limé | Flat Suede Shoes These suede flats are giving understated elegance. The pointed toe keeps them sharp, the muted biscuit hue makes them endlessly versatile, and the soft texture makes them feel luxurious. Sacer | Akh Jumpsuit If effortless had a uniform, it would be this. Relaxed, slightly slouchy, but tailored in all the right places, this biscuit-hued jumpsuit is for the girl who's too cool to try too hard. The Kape | Safia in Camel This is relaxed sophistication done right—worn open over a monochrome look for effortless ease, or cinched at the waist for a sculpted silhouette. Soft suede, lace-trimmed sleeves, a drape that falls just so—elegance with a side of nonchalance. By Aura | Brown Suit Set If there's one thing that never fails, it's a good suit. This one, in a warm biscuit shade, takes cues from menswear but makes it look impossibly cool. Buttoned up for a sharp, tailored look, the vest could work entirely on its own, or layered. Paul Ward | Biesdorf These tortoiseshell frames bring just the right amount of retro, with a shape that feels both classic and cool. Pessimistic | Light Brown Lounge Set Who said cozy can't be chic? This set is the ultimate balance between lounge and quality. The warm, biscuit-toned fabric makes it look elevated, and the relaxed fit ensures maximum comfort. Christine Massarany | 'Souffle Intemporel' Vest This biscuit-toned vest is structured but not stiff, designed to contour the body in a way that's effortless yet powerful. Layer it over a sheer blouse for contrast or wear it solo for a clean, sophisticated look.
