WRC dismisses Olumide Smith’s Equal Status complaint against department

The WRC dismissed Olumide Smith’s Equal Status complaint against the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as misconceived. The decision was dated 2 December 2021. Smith alleged that conduct connected with court proceedings caused harassment and adverse treatment, and argued the department was vicariously liable. The adjudication officer found the alleged conduct related to court proceedings, which were not a service under the Equal Status Act, and that judicial conduct covered by immunity could not create vicarious liability for the department. The complaint was dismissed; the merits were not decided.