The general manager of an international components firm based in Ireland has sued in the High Court claiming he suffered an acute breakdown after his workload became unmanageable and intolerably stressful.
John Farrell had been working at Mergon International for 10 years, had taken on new roles and been promoted to general manager. However, when a deadline to submit a budget loomed in February 2021, he allegedly “snapped” and was feeling extremely unwell and overwhelmed.
Mr Farrell, who previously was one of 10 in the company to get a €100,000 performance bonus, told the High Court that when he became general manager in January 2021 he was struggling. He said he asked for a one-week extension to the budget deadline but was refused.
“I tried to get on with it. I was not well. I was not sleeping. I was sick and could not cope with it,” he told his counsel Thomas P Hogan SC, instructed by Ronan Hynes solicitor.
Mr Farrell said he asked his wife if it was okay if he did not work at Mergon any more, and when she asked why, he told the judge: “I said so I don’t have to kill myself. There was no way out. It was not going to end any other way.”
Mr Farrell said he collapsed on the floor crying and was referred by a doctor for treatment.
John Farrell (46), from Lanesboro, Co Longford, has sued Mergon International, with a registered address in Bermuda and an Irish branch at Castlepollard, Co Westmeath.
Work-related stress
He has claimed that he was, over a period of time, allegedly required to take on a significantly increased workload which resulted in him being exposed to prolonged work-related stress.
It is claimed that his workload ultimately became unmanageable and intolerably stressful, so that on February 13th, 2021, he allegedly suffered a severe psychological injury.
He has further claimed he was required to undertake a level of work which was unsafe and allegedly posed a danger to his health and a risk of him suffering a psychological injury.
Mr Farrell has further maintained there was an alleged failure to provide him with any adequate assistance and additional personnel.
He has further claimed there was a failure to monitor his workload or provide him with any or any adequate support.
Mr Farrell has also contended unrealistic deadlines were allegedly imposed and there was an alleged failure to act on alleged representations made by him with respect to his workload.
Mergon International has denied all the claims and contends Mr Farrell agreed to all of the promotions and allegedly never complained, never said no, and never availed of the grievances process within the company.
The case before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds continues on Thursday.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support
By High Court reporters
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