Worker Claims HR Manager Lied About English-Only Policy at Pharmed Ltd

Anthony Blount claims he was constructively dismissed by Pharmed Ltd after a HR manager allegedly lied about an agreed English-only policy. Blount, a warehouse worker, told the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that the policy was a precondition for his return from sick leave in September 2024, following accusations of bullying and isolation by Lithuanian colleagues.

Blount joined Pharmed Ltd in summer 2023, working with three Lithuanian women and a Ukrainian man. He experienced what he called «passive-aggressive» behavior and isolation from the Lithuanian women, who he said spoke only Lithuanian among themselves. He took medical leave on September 16, 2024, due to work-related stress.

During a return-to-work meeting, HR officer Shirley Kiernan allegedly committed to an «English on the floor at all times» policy. However, on September 30, 2024, management informed him they would not enforce it. Blount stated his colleagues continued to speak Lithuanian and ignored him. He returned to sick leave the next day and never came back.

Blount filed a grievance, which an external investigator allegedly blamed him for. He appealed, calling the investigation «flawed.» In a June 2025 appeal meeting, Kiernan denied any agreement on an English-only policy, stating a consultant advised against it. Blount resigned that month. The WRC adjourned the matter, with adjudication officer Penelope McGrath questioning the feasibility of an English-only policy.