A United Kingdom (UK) employment tribunal has ruled that repeatedly calling a colleague “auntie” can amount to workplace harassment, ordering an NHS trust to pay compensation to a healthcare assistant.
The case involved 61-year-old Ilda Esteves, who brought a complaint against her employer, National Health Service (NHS), over the conduct of a colleague.
Esteves told the tribunal that staff nurse Charles Oppong persistently addressed her as “auntie” despite being asked to stop, creating what she described as an uncomfortable and offensive working environment.
While Oppong argued the term was meant respectfully and reflected Ghanaian cultural norms for addressing older women, the tribunal found that context alone did not justify its continued use.
According to evidence presented, Esteves formally complained in September 2023, stating that she had repeatedly asked to be called by her name instead.
She also raised concerns about additional remarks made by Oppong, including comments about her appearance and suggestions she would be a “good match” for an older male colleague.
The incidents occurred while Esteves was working at West London NHS Trust, including at St Bernard’s Hospital.
Although Oppong admitted to using the term once, the tribunal rejected his account. Employment judge George Alliott described his testimony as inconsistent, “evasive and vague”.
In its ruling, the tribunal found that the term “auntie” had been used multiple times and that the accompanying comments, even if intended as humour, were inappropriate.
The judge acknowledged the cultural background of the term but stressed that continuing to use it after objections made it unacceptable.
The tribunal concluded that the remarks created an offensive environment and ruled in Esteves’ favour, awarding her £1,425 in compensation.
