Indian-Origin NHS Worker Wins Harassment Case Over 'Auntie' Comment

An Indian-origin NHS healthcare assistant, Ilda Esteves, won a harassment case against her colleague for calling her 'auntie', a term she found offensive. Despite being a term of respect in Ghanaian culture, the tribunal upheld her complaint and awarded her damages for age and sex-related harassment.

Ilda Esteves, an Indian-origin healthcare assistant with the UK's NHS, has successfully won her harassment claim after a Ghanaian heritage nurse colleague repeatedly called her 'auntie'.

The Watford Employment Tribunal found the term to be offensive, awarding Esteves £1,425.15 for age and sex harassment damages.

The tribunal ruled that calling Esteves 'auntie' was inappropriate, even if culturally respectful, underscoring the importance of personal boundaries and workplace respect.

(With inputs from agencies.)