Calling a middle-aged woman 'good girl' in the office is sexual harassment, a tribunal has ruled. An employment tribunal judge said 'language evolves over time' and though the term may have seemed 'harmless once, it is now 'demeaning'.
Employment Judge Gary Tobin's warning about sexist language in the workplace came as a British female executive successfully sued a £3 billion company over the remarks. Frances Fricker, in her late 30s, is now in line for compensation after she was repeatedly called 'good girl' by boss Giuseppe Ajroldi despite objecting to it, the tribunal heard.
Sales manager Mr Ajroldi's 'condescending' behaviour 'degraded and humiliated' accounts executive Ms Fricker who complained that she was an 'independent woman'. The tribunal heard 'controlling' Mr Ajroldi also mocked Ms Fricker's weight by saying she looked 'fat' in photos and once tried to kiss and touch her on a business trip.
