Irish Woman Wins £23k Racial Harassment Claim Against Boss for ‘Potato’ Insults

An Irish woman has successfully claimed £23,000 for racial harassment against her employer, who repeatedly insulted her with derogatory remarks. The case centered on Bernadette Hayes, a 55-year-old bookkeeper at a civil engineering firm in Leeds.

Details of the Harassment

Hayes reported a hostile work environment created by her boss, Mick Atkins, the director of West Leeds Civils Ltd. The incidents occurred over a six-month period, during which Atkins often shouted “potato” at her in a mocking tone, in addition to using slurs including “paddy,” “stupid paddy,” and “p*key.”

Emotional Impact

During the tribunal, Hayes described the continuous harassment, stating that it made her feel she was suffering “a death by 1,000 cuts.” She expressed that her mental well-being deteriorated significantly, with symptoms of extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and loss of appetite, which ultimately led to her being signed off work in July 2024.

Hayes stated that she often felt “physically sick” before entering the office and perceived her boss as an intimidating figure. Despite her discomfort, she felt compelled to tolerate the ridicule, fearing potential repercussions.

Tribunal Findings

Employment Judge Sophie Buckley ruled in favor of Hayes, identifying the verbal attacks as race-related harassment. The judge noted that the terms used by Atkins were clearly derogatory and humiliating, particularly when used repetitively over time.

Although Judge Buckley acknowledged the impact of these insults, she did not uphold the claim of race discrimination, allowing for a partial ruling on harassment and victimization instead.

Compensation Awarded

Based on the tribunal’s findings, Bernadette Hayes was awarded £23,526. This amount included £13,000 for “injury to feelings” and £6,104 for loss of earnings due to the distress caused by the workplace environment.

Conclusion

This case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of a respectful workplace, free from racial insults and harassment. Employers must take allegations of this nature seriously to foster an environment of dignity and respect for all employees.