‘Auntie’ remark ruled offensive: UK tribunal backs Indian-origin NHS worker

An Indian-origin healthcare worker in the UK has won a harassment case after a colleague repeatedly called her “auntie”, with a tribunal ruling that the remarks created an offensive work environment despite their cultural context, reports PTI.

The Watford Employment Tribunal upheld that Ilda Esteves, a 61-year-old NHS healthcare assistant, was subjected to harassment on the grounds of age and sex. The tribunal directed West London NHS Trust to pay her £1,425.15 as compensation for “injury to feelings”.

Repeated Remarks Despite Objection

According to the ruling, staff nurse Charles Oppong, who is of Ghanaian heritage, used the term “auntie” on multiple occasions between June and September 2023, even after Esteves requested to be addressed by her first name.

She also told the tribunal that he made repeated comments suggesting she would be a good match for an older colleague.

Tribunal Acknowledges Cultural Context

The three-member tribunal noted that the term “auntie” can be used as a sign of respect in Ghanaian culture. However, it ruled that context and consent were crucial.

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“We find that the claimant did perceive it as creating an offensive environment… and it was reasonable for the comments to have that effect,” the judgment stated.

The tribunal concluded that the remarks were likely intended as humour but still amounted to harassment.

Other Claims Dismissed

While the harassment claim on grounds of age and sex succeeded, Esteves’ other allegations—including race discrimination, victimisation, and unlawful wage deductions—were dismissed.

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Her request for anonymity was also rejected, with the tribunal stating that public interest in open justice outweighed her privacy concerns.

The ruling highlights that workplace language—even if culturally rooted—can be deemed offensive if it goes against an individual’s wishes and creates discomfort.