‘Offensive remark’ to worker costs firm £5k

The bonfire at a house in Mangotsfield

CARAVAN maker Bailey of Bristol has been hit with a financial penalty after a boss told a disabled woman she should park in the “raspberry ripple space”.

The woman was puzzled by the comment until she realised it was rhyming slang for “cripple”.

The comment by Simon Howard, marketing director of the Bristol-based caravan manufacturer, led to an employment tribunal awarding the employee £5,000.

The senior customer services manager had worked for the company since 2013 but in 2016 was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a rheumatic condition which meant she needed a special high-back chair and other items when working.

The tribunal, whose judgement has just been published, heard she had a permit to park on the premises but in July or August, 2017, Mr Howard asked her not to park right outside the main office.

He admitted saying: “You can park in the raspberry ripple space” but told the tribunal it was an expression he had used in school and intended it to be understood “in a jokey way”.

The woman complained to the company’s HR manager, Louise Redman, but alleged she was advised not to lodge a formal

Simon Howard of Bailey of Bristol

grievance. She was unhappy with the way the matter was handled, especially as Mr Howard’s brother, managing director Nick Howard, was involved in the investigation.

The woman resigned in September, 2018, but her claim for constructive unfair dismissal was rejected by the tribunal.

Her claims the company had failed to make reasonable adjustments for her disability and had increased her workload after she lodged her grievance were also dismissed.

Upholding the harassment claim in respect of the “raspberry ripple” comment, Employment Judge Paul Cadney accepted it was not intended to be offensive or insulting, but added: “In our judgment the remark is a deeply offensive remark and we have no doubt that it would be so regarded by any person, whether disabled or not.”

He awarded the claimant £5,000 for “injury to feelings”, a sum accepted by both parties.

A spokesman for Bailey of Bristol told the Post: “Mr Howard deeply regrets the use of this term, accepts that it was wholly inappropriate and apologises unreservedly for any offence caused to the claimant.

“Bailey Caravans is a family owned and run business that takes any claim of bullying and/ or harassment extremely seriously.

“We truly care about our employees and work hard to ensure that everyone who comes to work can do so in a safe, respectful and collaborative environment.”