Jones -v- Norwich Union International Limited : Gender Ground; pregnancy; Conditions of Employment; Promotion; Victimisation

This dispute involves a claim by Mr. Michael Booth that he was discriminated against by Wexford County Council on grounds of disability, in terms of section 6(2) of the Employment Equality Act, 1998 and contrary to section 8 of that Act when it failed to appoint him to the position of Resident Artist following a selection process in June, 2003. The respondent rejects the complainant’s assertions and contends, as a preliminary matter, that the claim is outside the scope of the Employment Equality Act, 1998 as the arrangement between the parties was not one which was covered by the definition of “contract of employment” as provided at section 2 of the Act.

This dispute concerned a claim by a Greek complainant, employed as a waitress, that she was discriminated against by the respondent on the ground of race when she was not paid for public holidays when Irish colleagues were. The respondent conceded like work between the complainant and her Irish colleagues but denied that discrimination had occurred. The respondent also claimed that it was being subjected to double jeopardy as the complainant had previously been awarded payment for public holidays by a Rights Commissioner, in a claim under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, in respect of the same facts

This dispute concerned a claim by Ann and Michael Connors, and James and Ann Cash that they were discriminated against on the ground of their membership of the Traveller community when they was refused entry The Spa Inn, Portarlington on 25th April 2002. The complainants alleged that the treatment they received was contrary to Section 3 (2) (i) of the Equal Status Act, 2000 and that in not being provided with a service which is generally available to the public They were subjected to treatment contrary to Section 5(1) of the Act.

The complainants submitted in their claim that they were refused access to the respondent’s night club because they the respondent wanted a much younger customers and also they believe they were refused because they are Travellers.