Leeds, UK – An Irish woman has been awarded more than £23,000 in damages after successfully suing her former employer for racial harassment. Bernadette Hayes, 55, endured months of abuse at West Leeds Civils, including being repeatedly called “potato” in a mocking Irish accent by company director Mick Atkins.
The Leeds Employment Tribunal ruled that Atkins subjected Hayes to a “hostile, humiliating, and offensive” environment. The harassment, which spanned from December 2023 to June 2024, involved not only the repeated employ of the term “potato” but also derogatory terms like “paddy,” “stupid paddy,” and “pikey.” This case highlights the ongoing challenges of workplace discrimination and the importance of protecting employees from racial harassment.
‘A Death by 1,000 Cuts’
Hayes described the impact of the harassment as feeling like “a death by 1,000 cuts.” She testified that Atkins would shout “potato” at her “over and over again” during disagreements, often in front of other staff members. According to reports, he even sent the term in a WhatsApp message. The tribunal heard that Hayes felt “physically sick” walking into work and “dreaded” being mocked, fearing retribution due to Atkins’ “intimidating, volatile character.”
“This totally eroded my self-respect and my self-esteem,” Hayes told the tribunal. “It made me feel small, insecure, violated and extremely anxious. It also made me feel embarrassed.” She added that a change in her personal circumstances made her feel “trapped” in the job, exacerbating her anxiety.
Terms ‘Overtly Linked to Race’
Employment Judge Sophie Buckley awarded Hayes £20,735.91 for injury to feelings, plus four weeks’ pay amounting to £2,800. In her ruling, Judge Buckley stated that the repeated use of the terms “potato,” “paddy,” “stupid paddy,” and “pikey” was “offensive and humiliating” and “overtly linked to race,” particularly when considered together. The Independent reports that Atkins did not deny making the comments.
The tribunal also heard that Atkins’ behavior escalated after another employee, Marcus Smith, joined the company. Hayes raised a grievance about Smith’s behavior in July 2024, and subsequently filed a complaint of indirect harassment. She was later dismissed from West Leeds Civils.
Previous Occurrences and Attempts to Address the Harassment
While the most intense period of harassment occurred between December 2023 and June 2024, Hayes stated that Atkins had previously made occasional comments about her Irish heritage. Initially, she attempted to dismiss these as humor, but the situation deteriorated significantly. The Irish Post notes that Hayes occasionally “joined in” on the taunting, seemingly in an attempt to diffuse the situation, but this did not stop the harassment.
Judge Buckley acknowledged this, finding that Hayes did not regularly refer to herself as a potato and that her attempts to engage were motivated by a desire to “fit in.”
This case underscores the seriousness of racial harassment in the workplace and the legal protections available to those who experience it. The tribunal’s decision sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Craven Herald reports that the ruling serves as a warning to employers about the consequences of failing to protect their employees from discrimination.
The outcome of this case may encourage other victims of workplace harassment to come forward and seek justice. It remains to be seen whether West Leeds Civils will appeal the tribunal’s decision or take steps to address the issues that led to the harassment.
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