A United Kingdom employment tribunal has ruled that a healthcare assistant was subjected to workplace harassment after a colleague of Ghanaian heritage repeatedly addressed her as “auntie” despite her objections.
The tribunal found that 61-year-old Ilda Esteves experienced harassment based on age and sex while working at the West London NHS Trust, where she was part of the Women’s Forensic Services unit.
Her colleague, Charles Oppong, a nurse of Ghanaian background, argued that the term “auntie” is commonly used in Ghanaian culture as a sign of respect for older women. However, the tribunal determined that the continued use of the term after Ms Esteves had asked him to stop created an offensive working environment.
According to evidence presented, Ms Esteves had repeatedly requested to be addressed by her name. She also raised concerns about remarks suggesting she would be a “good match” for an older colleague, which she considered inappropriate.
In its ruling, the tribunal acknowledged the cultural context of the term but emphasized that respect for individual preferences in the workplace is paramount. Employment Judge George Alliott described Mr Oppong’s evidence as “evasive and vague,” concluding that the remarks were likely intended as humour but had the effect of causing offence.
The tribunal ruled in favour of Ms Esteves on the harassment claim, stating that the comments reasonably created an offensive environment. She was awarded £1,425 in compensation.
However, her additional claims of discrimination, victimisation, and unlawful deduction of wages were dismissed.
