The Labour Court disallowed Tsourova’s appeal over workplace discrimination claims against Icon Clinical Research, affirming the Equality Officer’s decision in a determination dated 18 January 2007. The €15,000 compensation she had received was from an earlier case concerning victimisation linked to her dismissal, not this appeal.
Tsourova, a clinical data co-ordinator, alleged discrimination and harassment on grounds of race and religion, citing derogatory remarks, inadequate training and refusal of time off for Eid. ICON’s witnesses denied making discriminatory comments and said there were genuine concerns about her work performance.
The Court found the evidence did not establish harassment or ostracism by colleagues, and found no material difference in performance standards or the refusal of the short-notice Eid leave request. It accepted that the investigation into her complaints had shortcomings, including failing to provide witness statements. The Court held that any victimisation claim arising from the investigation was merged into the earlier dismissal case, for which redress had already been awarded, and disallowed the appeal.