Summary
An employment tribunal awarded a book-keeper named Bernadette Hayes over £23,000 after finding that she was racially harassed by her boss. The boss repeatedly shouted the word "potato" at Hayes, who is Irish, in a manner linked to her race. The tribunal determined this created a hostile work environment for Hayes.
Key Facts
- Bernadette Hayes worked for West Leeds Civils, an engineering firm, from December 2023 to June 2024.
- Hayes's boss, Mick Atkins, shouted "potato" at her in a strong Irish accent and used racially offensive language.
- The tribunal ruled that Hayes was racially harassed and awarded her £20,735.91, plus four weeks' pay of £2,800.
- Atkins also sent Hayes a picture of a potato and made comments about her heritage.
- The tribunal found that Hayes did not find the comments funny and told Atkins so multiple times.
- Hayes took sick leave due to stress, attributing it to a hostile work environment, and was later dismissed.
- The tribunal agreed that the use of "potato" and other terms were racially offensive and linked to her being Irish.
- Atkins called the tribunal proceedings "nonsense."
