WRC finds Forqan Hassanzada’s discrimination complaint was out of time

The Workplace Relations Commission found Forqan Hassanzada’s Employment Equality complaint against Derry Court Company Ltd Derry Court Cleaning Specialists was filed outside the statutory time limit. The decision was dated 1 April 2026. The WRC declined to extend time, finding no reasonable cause to excuse the delay. The allegations’ merits were not decided. Hassanzada alleged discrimination, harassment and victimisation at work, including intimidation, a salary reduction and removal from his work unit. The respondent argued the claim was late and that the earlier Equal Status complaint could not bring it within time. The WRC said the Employment Equality complaint was outside the limit and that the earlier filing could not be used to meet it. It also noted that Hassanzada had legal representation during the relevant period. His earlier Equal Status complaint was withdrawn. No monetary award was recorded.