A dental nurse has been awarded around £25,000 (approximately RM143,000) after a tribunal found she was subjected to bullying by a colleague who frequently glare at her during work.
The employment tribunal ruled that 64-year-old Maureen Howieson faced demeaning and abusive treatment while working at a dental clinic. The issues arose following the arrival of a new dental therapist, Jisna Iqbal, who allegedly refused to carry out certain tasks and repeatedly gave Howieson intimidating stares during conversations.
Howieson, a dental professional with over 40 years of experience, had been working at the reception desk due to health issues. Meanwhile, Jisna, a dentist from India, was not yet qualified to treat patients in the United Kingdom. Another dentist, Daniela Siersch, confirmed that Jisna refused specific duties, including cleaning the toilet before patient examinations, believing such tasks were beneath her because of her title.
The tense environment eventually caused Howieson to suffer panic attacks and break down in tears at work, prompting her resignation in October 2024.
Clinic owner Dr. Fary Johnson Vithayathil admitted he had been aware of the issues with Jisna from early on but failed to take action to resolve them.
Employment Judge Ronald Mackay found that the employer deliberately allowed a hostile working environment to persist, in addition to committing serious breaches of contract and unfair dismissal against Howieson. The judge also noted that promises made to Howieson were never fulfilled, further worsening her situation.
