Labour Court upholds time-limit decision in Dr Abdul Rauf’s appeal against HSE

In 2008, the Labour Court dismissed Dr Abdul Rauf’s appeal on the time limit for his claims against the HSE and upheld the Rights Commissioner’s decision. The determination was dated 1 December 2008; the merits of his claims were not decided. Dr Rauf had claimed a contract of indefinite duration and that he was not notified of available permanent positions. He argued that the six-month limit should be extended because of the complexity of his case, the time needed to obtain legal advice and his fear of victimisation. The HSE said he had not given a satisfactory reason for the delay. The Court found his reasons for the initial delay unconvincing and noted that he waited more than two further months to refer the matter after the HSE replied to his advisers. It concluded that he had not shown reasonable cause to extend the limit.