AXA worker told she had an 'annoying' voice like TV cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants.
An AXA employee has been awarded more than £141,000 after staff mocked her for having an ‘annoying’ voice like TV cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants.
A tribunal heard that Licia Faithful was left devastated by the taunts at AXA PPP Healthcare in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, during an 18 month spell of torment.
AXA staff asked if she was ‘on drugs’ and even taped her voice and played it back to her, The Metro reports.
Faithful told the tribunal that staff made a mockery of her Brazilian accent.
Tribunal Judge Sage said the £17,765-a-year employee had suffered in a “hostile and degrading” environment and there was substantial evidence she was “buillied”.
An AXA spokesman said: "Treating our employees fairly is very important to us and we work hard to create a positive, supportive workplace culture where employees enjoy their working environment and feel that they can give their best in serving our customers.
“We are disappointed with the employment tribunal’s decision in this case, which is in respect of events that occurred over three years ago.
“Prior to the tribunal, we had already considered any areas for improvement arising from the situation and have reinforced or amended our policies where appropriate.”
