Bookmaker’s victimisation complaint against Association of Irish Racecourses not upheld

The Workplace Relations Commission found that bookmaker Jim Desmond was not victimised by the Association of Irish Racecourses clg. The decision, dated 4 April 2023, concerned his complaint about being required to work outdoors at racecourses while other betting facilities could use indoor areas. Desmond said the outdoor position left him exposed to bad weather and less comfortable conditions than other bookmakers. The Association argued it did not provide him with a service and that he had not identified a relevant discrimination ground. The adjudicator found that Desmond was not covered by a relevant discriminatory ground, had not established that the Association refused him a service, and had not shown less favourable treatment. The complaint was not upheld.