The Workplace Relations Commission found James Jackson’s disability discrimination complaint against Tesco Ireland Limited not well founded after he was challenged over his mask exemption at a Cork store. The WRC decision was dated 3 January 2024.
Jackson said he should have been allowed to shop without a mask without having to provide medical evidence. Tesco argued staff had safety and legal responsibilities around face coverings. The adjudication officer accepted that Jackson had a disability at the time, but found it was hidden and not self-evident to the store.
Video showed staff challenging Jackson, but he completed his shopping and was not denied service. The officer found the way staff treated him was unpleasant and breached Tesco’s guidance, but concluded the mask exemption was accommodated and there was no discrimination case to answer. The complaint was found not well founded under the Equal Status Act.