Her harassment claim centred on comments made by Mr Atkins over a six-month period between December 2023 and June 2024. Ms Hayes, from Ossett, West Yorkshire, said she did so simply to 'fit in' and 'make it seem okay'. He also pledged a £1,000 donation towards a charity lunch at Leeds Irish Centre in December. The tribunal ruled that Ms Hayes had been subjected to 'unwanted conduct' which 'clearly created a hostile, humiliating and offensive environment for her'. Ms Hayes was awarded compensation totalling £23,526, including £13,000 in 'injury to feelings' and £6,014 related to loss of earnings.

Source: Daily Mail March 16, 2026 07:06 UTC