Worker wins payout over Borat name

Compensation has been awarded to a Polish engineer dubbed ‘Borat’ while at work. Adrian Ruda is to receive a sum of £2,250, after the term was deemed to be racist by an employment tribunal. The Leeds-based panel decided that Mr Ruda was “degraded and humiliated” when the term was used during his time at TEi Ltd in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Because the character of Borat was from Kazakhstan in the Sacha Baron Cohen film of the same name, it was felt that the nickname would not have been given to someone of non-Eastern European descent. The tribunal is now making TEi draw up a workplace harassment and bullying policy. Commenting on the ruling, employment judge Jonathan Whittaker said: “The application of the nickname ‘Borat’ violated Mr Ruda’s dignity in the period in question and created for him a degrading, humiliating and defensive work environment.” Our Employment team provides advice on the employment aspects of all major business decisions. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 08456 381381 or email employment@ibblaw.co.uk.