THE EQUALITY TRIBUNAL
EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ACTS 1998-2008
Decision DEC - E2011-179
Richard Fuller
versus
IKEA Ltd.
(represented by IBEC)
File reference: EE/2008/865
Date of issue: 23rd September 2011
Keywords: Employment Equality Act, Discrimination, Family Status, Training, Victimisation, Non-attendance at Hearing
Dispute
This dispute concerns a complaint by Richard Fuller against IKEA Ltd. The complainant, a father, alleges that he was discriminated against on the grounds of family status in relation to training contrary to the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2008 [hereinafter referred to as 'the Acts']. He also claims he was victimised within the meaning of the Acts.
The complainant referred his complaint under the Acts to the Director of the Equality Tribunal on 9th December 2008. In accordance with his powers under Section 75 of the Act, the Director delegated the case on 27th January 2011 to me, Orlaith Mannion, an Equality Officer, for investigation, decision and for the exercise of other relevant functions under the Part VII of the Act. This is the date I commenced my investigation. Submissions were received from both parties and a Hearing was held on 22nd September 2011 as required by Section 79 (1) of the Act.
The complainant was notified, by registered post, of the hearing at the address he gave to the Tribunal. He did not attend the hearing.
Decision
In the light of the foregoing, and in accordance with Section 79(6) of the Act, I issue the following decision:
As part of my investigation under Section 79 of the Act, I am obliged to hold a Hearing. I find that the complainant's failure to attend such a hearing was unreasonable in the circumstances and that any obligation under Section 79 has ceased. As no evidence was given at the Hearing in support of the allegation of discrimination, I conclude the investigation and find against the complainant.
_______________
Orlaith Mannion
Equality Officer