WRC rejects mask exemption letter from suspended GP

The Workplace Relations Commission has rejected a discrimination complaint brought by a Longford man against a supermarket in the Axis Centre. John Ryan alleged he was treated unfairly on grounds of disability on 29 June 2021 when staff asked him to wear a face mask at Fresh Today. He claimed he suffered severe distress and panic attacks when wearing masks and produced a letter from a suspended Derry GP in support. The adjudicating officer declined to accept the medical letter as evidence, noting the GP had been interim suspended by the General Medical Council pending investigation into allegations of Covid-19 misinformation. The tribunal found Mr Ryan had not notified the shop of any disability and had not established a case of discrimination under the Equal Status Act. The complaint was dismissed.