Calling a co-worker a ‘Good Girl’ is sexual harassment

An employment tribunal has ruled that calling a woman a "good girl" is sexual harassment.

Gartner, a global technology consultancy firm, was sued by Frances Fricker after her boss called her a 'good girl' despite her objection.

The accounts executive said the behaviour left her "degraded and humiliated" as she is an "independent woman". The tribunal heard she complained to senior managers at the firm to be told she'd been 'flirting' with the sales manager Giuseppe Ajroldi. Following the complaint, Frances resigned.

The global tech firm has its European headquarters in Surrey and an office in London. The tribunal heard how Mr Ajroldi was part of a 'toxic male-dominated' culture at Gartner.

Ms Fricker is now set for a pay out after an employment judge ruled, "language evolves over time". She has also succeeded with a claim of constructive unfair dismissal although other complaints of sexual discrimination and victimisation have failed. Compensation will be determined at a later date.

A corporate spokesman at Gartner said, "We are extremely disappointed in the ruling, and we are determining whether we will appeal this decision".
 

Mandy Peters Solicitors 

Lewisham

020 8297 4414