Full Breakdown
Employment Tribunal Awards £23,000 for Racial Harassment Case
3/11/2026, 1:42:37 AM
Core Event: Racial Harassment at West Leeds Civils
Bernadette Hayes, a book-keeper of Irish descent, has been awarded over £23,000 by an employment tribunal after it found that she had been subjected to racial harassment by her employer, Mick Atkins, director of West Leeds Civils, an engineering company based in Holbeck. The tribunal's ruling came after a series of incidents between December 2023 and June 2024, during which Atkins repeatedly shouted the word "potato" at Hayes in a strong Irish accent, alongside other offensive remarks.
Background & Context: Hostile Work Environment
Hayes reported that Atkins's behavior escalated after his friend, Marcus Smith, became involved in the business. She described the work environment as hostile and toxic, stating that the harassment significantly impacted her mental health, leading her to take sick leave for work-related stress in July 2024. In her grievance document, Hayes expressed that her experience felt like "suffering a death by 1,000 cuts," highlighting the cumulative effect of the harassment.
Key Figures: Bernadette Hayes and Mick Atkins
- Bernadette Hayes: The complainant, a 55-year-old book-keeper, who experienced racial harassment at her workplace. She reported feeling bullied, anxious, and her self-esteem eroded due to Atkins's comments.
- Mick Atkins: The director of West Leeds Civils, accused of making racially charged remarks and creating a hostile work environment. He dismissed the tribunal proceedings as "nonsense from start to finish."
Official Statements & Responses
Employment Judge Buckley found that Hayes's experiences created a "hostile, humiliating and offensive environment" for her, noting that it was reasonable for someone of Irish heritage to find the repeated use of the word "potato" offensive. The tribunal awarded Hayes £20,735.91 for damages and mandated that West Leeds Civils pay her an additional £2,800 in lost wages.
Criticism & Opposition: Dismissal of Claims
Atkins publicly criticized the tribunal's findings, labeling the proceedings as unfounded. His dismissal of the claims contrasts sharply with the tribunal's ruling, which recognized the racial implications of his conduct.
Verbatim Quotes
What's Next: Future Implications
The case underscores the importance of addressing workplace harassment and discrimination. It may prompt other employees facing similar issues to come forward, potentially leading to further scrutiny of workplace practices in the engineering sector and beyond.
