An accountant has been awarded over £145,000 in financial compensation in the largest award for unfair dismissal so far this year. The substantial award was made to accountant Maria Inmaculada De La Torre Ruiz following her complaint to Hamilton UK Services Ltd under the Unfair Dismissals Act of 1977.

Did the company give a reason for Maria Inmaculada De La Torre Ruiz’s dismissal?

Ms De La Torre Ruiz represented herself at the tribunal. She had worked as a financial accountant, having begun her employment on 6 July 2021. Her earnings had reached £63,000 per annum when her role was terminated in July 2023. Her former employer refused to offer a reason for dismissing her.

According to the Workplace Relations Commission, or the WRC, this move was a severe blow to her future job prospects. The company, which is an insurance underwriter with international offices, admitted that Maria Inmaculada De La Torre Ruiz was let go without cause. After being dismissed, she secured a nine-month job contract in 2024; however, she was job seeking prior to Christmas that year, and her search continued well into January 2025.

What is the role of an accountant?

An accountant plays a crucial role in the financial affairs of both individuals and businesses in the UK. Their main responsibility is to manage and interpret financial information, ensuring everything is accurate, up to date, and compliant with the current regulations. From small start-ups to large corporations, accountants are essential in helping businesses organise their affairs and plan for the future.

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What was Maria Inmaculada De La Torre Ruiz awarded in total?

Following the tribunal, Hamilton UK Services was ordered to pay an award consisting of two years of the accountant’s total remuneration. Including her salary, pension, and professional association costs, this amounted to a total payout of ?145,122.