Ghanaian NHS worker ordered to pay £1,425 after calling colleague ‘auntie’

Ghanaian NHS Worker Ordered to Pay £1,425 for Harassment Over “Auntie” Remark

A Ghanaian employee of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) has been ordered to pay £1,425 in compensation after an employment tribunal found that he harassed a colleague by repeatedly referring to her as “auntie.

The case involved 61-year-old healthcare assistant Ilda Esteves, who works with the West London NHS Trust. She testified that she considered the term offensive and had asked her colleague, Charles Oppong, to stop using it.

Mr Oppong, who is employed at St Bernard’s Hospital, argued in his defence that the term “auntie” is widely used in Ghanaian culture as a sign of respect toward older women.

However, the tribunal concluded that his actions created an offensive working environment. Employment Judge George Alliott stated:

“We find that Charles Oppong’s purpose was probably an offensive attempt at humour. It was reasonable for Ms Esteves to perceive it as creating an offensive environment.”

The ruling also noted additional remarks made by Mr Oppong, including a comment suggesting Ms Esteves would be “a good match” for another older staff member. The tribunal said these remarks contributed to the harassment claim.

While Mr Oppong admitted using the term once, he denied repeated use. The tribunal rejected this defence, describing his testimony as “evasive and vague.”

Other claims brought by Ms Esteves, including allegations of discrimination, victimisation, and unlawful deduction of wages, were dismissed. Nevertheless, her harassment complaint on the grounds of age and sex was upheld.

Judge Alliott acknowledged that while “auntie” may be considered respectful in Ghanaian culture, continuing to use the term after being asked to stop rendered it inappropriate and offensive in the workplace.

The tribunal’s ruling highlights the importance of cultural context in professional settings but reinforces that workplace boundaries and consent are paramount.