A healthcare assistant employed by the NHS has been granted £1,425 in compensation after an employment tribunal concluded she experienced harassment from a colleague who repeatedly addressed her as “auntie.” Ilda Esteves, 61, raised concerns about the term being used by fellow staff member Charles Oppong, explaining that she found it inappropriate and unwelcome. Despite her objections, the tribunal heard that the name-calling continued.

Mr Oppong, a nurse, argued in his defence that the term “auntie” is commonly used in Ghanaian culture as a respectful way to address older women. However, the tribunal found that this cultural explanation did not justify its continued use after Ms Esteves had clearly asked for it to stop.

Ms Esteves, who began her role at West London NHS Trust in September 2022 within Women’s Forensic Services, brought forward a claim of harassment linked to her age and sex. She stated that while working at St Bernard’s Hospital in London, Mr Oppong had used the term on multiple occasions and made additional remarks suggesting she would be a suitable partner for an older colleague.

In a formal complaint submitted via email in September 2023, Ms Esteves detailed her concerns. She wrote that despite asking to be addressed by her name, a colleague continued calling her “auntie” and made comments about her appearance, including her lipstick, as well as inappropriate suggestions about her compatibility with another staff member.

During proceedings, Mr Oppong acknowledged using the term once but denied repeated behaviour. Employment Judge George Alliott, however, found his testimony lacking in credibility, describing it as “evasive and vague.” The judge noted inconsistencies in his account, including an apparent reluctance to provide basic details about colleagues or recall key interactions.

The tribunal concluded that it was likely Mr Oppong had used the term on several occasions and had made the remarks in question. It further determined that, as a senior nurse with leadership responsibilities, his conduct was inappropriate.

Judge Alliott stated that the comments appeared to be intended as humour but were offensive in nature and created an uncomfortable working environment for Ms Esteves. The tribunal accepted that she reasonably perceived the behaviour as degrading and unwelcome.

While acknowledging that “auntie” can be used respectfully in Ghanaian culture, the judge emphasised that its continued use against Ms Esteves’s wishes rendered it inappropriate in this context.

As a result, her claim of harassment was upheld. However, her additional claims—including discrimination, victimisation, and unlawful deduction of wages—were not successful.