Tribunal Rules Calling Older Female Colleagues 'Grandmother' Constitutes Harassment
A landmark employment tribunal ruling has established that referring to older women in the workplace as "grandmother" amounts to age harassment under UK law. The decision came after Andrea Petroi, an employee in her sixties, successfully sued her employer, Soho Sandwich Company, for enduring systematic bullying and humiliation from younger colleagues.
The Case of Andrea Petroi
Andrea Petroi began working as a line leader at the Soho Sandwich Company in 2008. Her troubles began in April 2022 when she had an altercation with fellow line leader Abu Sayed on the production line. Mr. Sayed became aggressive, shouting that Ms. Petroi should not be managing him. During the subsequent investigation, Mr. Sayed described Ms. Petroi as being "like my grandmother" while claiming he respected her.
Further incidents revealed that Mr. Sayed had been referring to Ms. Petroi as "grandmother" using the Bengali term "Dadi" in songs sung within her hearing. Colleagues also made comments suggesting that because she was old, she got angry easily, and that she did not need motivating and rewarding like "younger people."
Inadequate Company Response
During a meeting about the incident, the general manager asked Ms. Petroi inappropriate questions about what was important to her at her age, suggesting she should focus on "peace, health and family." When Ms. Petroi sought clarification about her position, believing she held a managerial role senior to Mr. Sayed, she was told things had changed and her status could not be confirmed—a statement she interpreted as a demotion.
The company's investigation was found to be inadequate by the tribunal. Senior leaders dismissed concerns with comments like "Tell Adriana to leave them alone. They are young and we do not need this kind of problem now." In May 2022, after sending an email detailing how she had been "bullied and humiliated" and was unwell from stress, Ms. Petroi took eight days of sick leave for which she was not paid. She resigned at month's end, describing the situation as "impossible" due to unfair treatment and discrimination.
Legal Findings and Compensation
Employment Judge Wendy Anderson ruled that the comments about Ms. Petroi not needing rewards or motivation constituted discrimination. Regarding the "grandmother" references, Judge Anderson stated: "The tribunal accepts that Mr. Sayed's reference to Ms. Petroi as being 'like my grandmother' was unwanted conduct relating to her age. It had the effect of humiliating her, and it was reasonable for her to feel that way."
Ms. Petroi successfully claimed constructive unfair dismissal, arguing she was effectively demoted and unsupported in her role. She also proved she had been underpaid during sick leave and over bank holidays. She is now entitled to compensation for multiple violations including age discrimination, harassment, victimisation, constructive unfair dismissal, and unauthorised wage deductions.
Broader Implications
This ruling sets a significant precedent for workplace conduct across Britain. It clarifies that age-related comments, even those framed as familial comparisons, can create a hostile environment that violates employment protections. The tribunal emphasised that such language reasonably causes humiliation, reinforcing legal standards against age-based harassment in professional settings.
