Calling women ‘birds’ at work is sexual harassment, a tribunal rules
CALLING women “birds” is sexual harassment at work, an employment tribunal has ruled.
The term — a favourite of Viz character Sid the Sexist — was judged to be derogatory in a discrimination case.
Nina Chung said it was used at a high end whisky investment firm by co-workers who also boasted of their sexual conquests.
One colleague, Robin Sidu, also asked whether she planned on getting pregnant, and even locked her out of their office, opposite Harrods in posh Knightsbridge, London.
She finally resigned from Whisky 1901 and sued for discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation and breach of contract.
Employment Judge Pavel Klimov awarded her £51,776 compensation, including £14,000 for injury to feelings.
He said she had been victimised when she was suspended for five months over unspecified misconduct allegations.
Company founder and CEO Aaron Sparkes had disciplined her without attending her hearing and she was given a written warning lasting a year instead of the recommended six months.
The judge went on to say the use of “bird” was “derogatory”. The outdated nickname is often used by cult comic character Sid, whose often-offensive attempts at chatting up women always end in failure.
After the hearing, Whisky 1901 said it would appeal the decision and that Mr Sidhu had not worked for the company since June 2023.
The company added: “We actively encourage diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and take matters of this nature very seriously.”