‘Hostile environment’: UK nurse, bullied by colleague, wins Rs 30 lakh compensation; suffered panic attacks

A dental nurse in Scotland has been awarded £25,000 (around Rs 30 lakh) in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled that she was forced to quit her job due to “bullying” and “rude” behaviour from a colleague.At a dental clinic in Edinburgh, Scotland, tensions between Maureen Howieson, 64, and her colleague Jisna Iqbal escalated due to what the tribunal described as a “strained” working relationship.According to the panel’s findings, Howieson was subjected to “rude, isolating, bullying, and belittling” behavior by Iqbal. The panel noted that Iqbal’s conduct included repeated eye-rolling during conversations, among other demeaning gestures, which contributed to a hostile work environment.Judge Ronald Mackay criticized the employer’s inaction, stating that the failure to address clear concerns raised by Howieson was an “unacceptable omission.” He added that the assurances made to her were not upheld, which resulted in a continued hostile work environment.How the relationship souredAccording to Howieson, tensions began after Iqbal took over reception duties from her while she was on sick leave, which she believes marked the beginning of their deteriorating relationship.The situation escalated further in September 2024 when Howieson was “brought to tears” at work, prompting her to have a meeting with the clinic owner, Dr Fary Johnson Vithayathil.She was told that Dr Vithayathil’s wife, who is also the clinic’s business manager, would speak with Iqbal, which didn’t happen.Howieson ended up having a panic attack due to stress.She resigned in October last year after being incorrectly underpaid, describing it as a “final straw.”