NHS Trust Ordered to Pay £1,425 After Nurse Repeatedly Called Colleague ‘Auntie’

​A UK employment tribunal has ruled that a National Health Service (NHS) trust must compensate a healthcare assistant after a colleague’s persistent use of the term “auntie” was deemed workplace harassment.

​The claimant, 61-year-old Ilda Esteves, was awarded £1,425 in damages for injury to feelings. The tribunal found that the conduct of staff nurse Charles Oppong created an “offensive environment” at the West London NHS Trust, where both were employed.

​Cultural Respect vs. Workplace Boundaries

​The case centered on interactions at St Bernard’s Hospital beginning in 2022. Mr. Oppong, who is of Ghanaian heritage, argued that the term “auntie” was intended as a sign of respect, consistent with cultural norms for addressing older women.

​However, Ms. Esteves testified that she found the label patronizing and repeatedly requested that he use her formal name. According to evidence presented to the tribunal, when she asked him to stop, Mr. Oppong allegedly retorted, “You want to be young then!”

​”Evasive” Evidence

​Employment Judge George Alliott dismissed Mr. Oppong’s claim that he had only used the term once, labeling his testimony as “evasive and vague.” The judge noted that while the term might have cultural roots, its continued use against the recipient’s explicit wishes transformed it into a tool of harassment.

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​The tribunal also heard that Mr. Oppong made inappropriate comments regarding Ms. Esteves’ appearance and jokingly suggested she would be a “good match” for another older male colleague.

​The Ruling

​Judge Alliott concluded that the comments—made in offices, corridors, and during shift handovers—constituted a breach of workplace conduct.

​”We find that it was reasonable for the comments to have that effect [of creating an offensive environment],” the judge ruled. “Consequently, her claim of harassment on this ground succeeds.”

​The ruling serves as a significant reminder for employers regarding the boundaries of cultural expression in professional settings, reinforcing that personal preference and professional dignity override well-intentioned cultural honorifics.