Ghanaian NHS Worker Fined £1,425 After Calling Colleague “Auntie”
A UK employment tribunal has ruled against a Ghanaian worker at the National Health Service, ordering him to pay £1,425 after finding that his remarks toward a colleague amounted to workplace harassment.
The complaint was brought by Ilda Esteves, a 61-year-old healthcare assistant employed by the West London NHS Trust. She told the panel that she felt uncomfortable and disrespected after repeatedly being addressed as “auntie” by co-worker Charles Oppong, despite asking him to stop.
Mr Oppong, who worked at St Bernard’s Hospital, defended his actions by explaining that in Ghanaian culture, the term is commonly used as a polite and respectful way to address older women. However, the tribunal concluded that cultural intent did not outweigh the impact of the repeated remarks in a professional setting.
In its judgment, led by Employment Judge George Alliott, the panel determined that the comments contributed to an uncomfortable and offensive environment. The ruling noted that the use of the term appeared to be an ill-judged attempt at humour, and that the claimant’s reaction to it was reasonable.
The case was further strengthened by additional comments attributed to Mr Oppong, including a suggestion that Ms Esteves would be a suitable partner for another older colleague. While he denied repeatedly using the term “auntie,” the tribunal found his testimony unreliable.
Although other allegations—such as discrimination and victimisation—were not upheld, the tribunal ruled in favour of Ms Esteves on harassment related to age and sex. The judgment made it clear that even culturally respectful expressions can become inappropriate when they are unwelcome and persist in the workplace.
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