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NIHE settles sectarian harassment case involving worker
Northern Ireland’s housing authority has settled for £12,500 with a worker who claimed he was the victim of a campaign of sectarian harassment.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) did not admit any liability in the case, which involved a plasterer employed by its direct labour organisation.
Hugo Elliott, a Catholic who has worked for the NIHE since 2013, alleged in a tribunal application that he was referred to as a “Fenian” and other derogatory terms while on the job in Coleraine.
He also claimed that his work van was draped with a Union Jack flag and he was told to personally remove it.
In July 2018, Mr Elliot was sent text messages wishing him “Happy King Billy’s Day”.
The NIHE, which owns around 85,000 homes across Northern Ireland, said the organisation does not tolerate workplace harassment of any kind.
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Mr Elliott said: “I have experienced sectarian insults, foul language and some very intimidating behaviour.
“It was an awful time, it was hurtful and it was wrong, and it badly affected my health. I had to challenge it.
“I asked for help, I reported my concerns but they weren’t dealt with. The whole experience wore me down. I know other colleagues were shocked by what they witnessed.
“I raised a grievance about my treatment in April 2019 and I did not receive the outcome of this until December 2019. I was off work during this time as a direct result of the harassment.”
A spokesperson for the NIHE said: “The housing executive can confirm that it recently settled a claim by a current employee regarding alleged religious harassment.
“While the claim was settled on a compromise basis, without admission of liability, the housing executive has recognised that there were issues around its handling of the complaint.
“The housing executive has expressed its regret to the employee involved.
“The housing executive does not tolerate harassment in the workplace of any kind and is currently reviewing the case in order to identify areas for improvement and any further actions that may be required.
“The housing executive continues to be committed to ensuring a harmonious working environment where all of its employees feel valued and respected.”
The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).
Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner of the ECNI, said: “There is no place for harassment of any type in our workplaces; everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
“Employers have a responsibility to provide and promote a good and harmonious working environment.
“They should have procedures and policies in place to allow them to deal promptly and seriously with complaints of discrimination or harassment.”
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