WRC finds Traveller accommodation complaint against A Local Authority was out of time

The Workplace Relations Commission found that a complaint by a member of the Traveller community against A Local Authority, alleging discrimination and harassment over the family’s accommodation needs, was brought outside the time limit and was statute-barred. The merits were not decided. The WRC dated its decision 10 August 2023. The complainant said the Local Authority had failed to address the family’s accommodation needs, including carrying out refurbishment work. The Local Authority argued the complaint was out of time and that the council was the proper respondent. Adjudication Officer Andrew Heavey found A Local Authority was the correct respondent because it was the service provider and vicariously liable for its staff’s actions.