Irish Bookkeeper Awarded £23,000 After Racial Harassment at Work

Bernadette Hayes, an Irish bookkeeper, has been awarded over £23,000 in compensation after successfully suing her former employer, West Leeds Civils, for racial harassment. The Leeds Employment Tribunal ruled that the company’s director, Mick Atkins, subjected Ms. Hayes to a hostile work environment through repeated offensive and humiliating language.

‘A Death by 1,000 Cuts’

Ms. Hayes described her experience at West Leeds Civils, between December 2023 and June 2024, as “a death by 1,000 cuts.” She testified that Mr. Atkins repeatedly used derogatory terms linked to her Irish heritage, creating a deeply distressing work environment. She stated that the harassment initially began as occasional comments but “ramped up” after his friend, Marcus Smith, joined the business.

Offensive Language Used

The tribunal heard evidence that Mr. Atkins repeatedly shouted the word “potato” at Ms. Hayes “in a strong Irish accent,” often in front of other staff members and even unsolicited, as soon as he entered the office. He also used terms including “paddy,” “stupid paddy,” and “pikey” to demean and harass her. In one instance, he even sent the word “potato” to her in a WhatsApp message. Ms. Hayes also alleged that Mr. Atkins made comments suggesting she was attracted to Irish travellers.

Impact on Ms. Hayes

Ms. Hayes, 55 at the time of the incidents, explained that the constant harassment eroded her self-respect and self-esteem, leaving her feeling “little, insecure, violated and extremely anxious.” She felt trapped in the job due to personal circumstances and feared losing her livelihood, which exacerbated her anxiety. She eventually took sick leave in July 2024, citing work-related stress, and subsequently raised a grievance about the behavior of both Mr. Atkins, and Mr. Smith.

Tribunal Ruling

Employment Judge Buckley determined that the repeated utilize of the terms “potato,” “paddy,” “stupid paddy,” and “pikey” was “overtly linked to race” and would be considered offensive and humiliating by someone of Irish heritage. The judge ruled that the conduct constituted racial harassment.

Compensation Awarded

The tribunal awarded Ms. Hayes £20,735.91 for injury to feelings and ordered West Leeds Civils to pay her four weeks’ wages, totaling £2,800. The total compensation amounts to over £23,000.

This case highlights the seriousness of racial harassment in the workplace and the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive environment for all employees.