UK tribunal awards compensation over ‘auntie’ remark made by Charles Oppong at workplace
26th March 2026
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A UK employment tribunal has awarded compensation to a healthcare assistant after finding that she was subjected to workplace harassment by a colleague who repeatedly addressed her as “auntie” against her wishes.
The tribunal ruled in favour of 61-year-old Ilda Esteves, who worked at West London NHS Trust, concluding that the conduct created an offensive working environment based on age and sex.
The complaint was brought against her colleague, Charles Oppong, a nurse of Ghanaian heritage, who argued that the term “auntie” is commonly used in Ghana as a respectful way of addressing older women.
However, the tribunal determined that the issue was not the cultural meaning of the term but the fact that it continued to be used after Ms Esteves had clearly asked for it to stop.
Evidence presented showed that she had repeatedly requested to be addressed by her name, but the term persisted.
She also raised concerns about remarks suggesting she would be a suitable partner for an older colleague, which she found inappropriate.
Employment Judge George Alliott rejected Mr Oppong’s defence, describing his testimony as inconsistent and lacking credibility.
The tribunal found it more likely than not that the term had been used multiple times and that the comments were made in a manner that amounted to offensive humour.
While acknowledging that “auntie” is widely regarded as a respectful expression in Ghanaian culture, the tribunal emphasised that workplace context and individual preferences must be respected.
It concluded that the repeated use of the term, despite objections, reasonably created an uncomfortable and offensive environment.
Ms Esteves was awarded £1,425 in compensation. Other claims she brought—including discrimination, victimisation, and unlawful deduction of wages—were dismissed by the tribunal.