The Irish worker, who cannot be named, was on sick leave for over three years before his dismissal on the grounds of incapacity last year.

He complained to the Workplace Relations Commission, but it agreed with his bosses that he was clearly incapable of performing the core duties of the job.

The adjudication officer added that he was “at a complete loss” as to why the complainant would have decided to pursue a career as a care assistant when he had a phobia of soiled nappies.

The complaint was dismissed.