For several years, Aqib worked as a trainee sales assistant for a multinational car company. Since starting at the company, Aqib found himself the butt of many jokes, including Islamophobic slurs which were excused as ‘office banter’.
His colleagues mocked the Islamic greeting ‘As-salaamu ‘alaikum’ (peace be upon you) by greeting Aqib with “slam ya can”. Aqib’s line manager would also pull his beard as ‘a joke’.
Aqib initially thought that the banter would calm down as he gained experience and seniority in the company, but the the taunting continued. Aqib’s mental health deteriorated as the jokes turned into bullying, and he was eventually forced to take sick leave.
Aqib reported his circumstances at work to the IRU. We informed Aqib of ways in which he could address the bullying at work. We supported him through the company’s internal grievance process and his application to the employment tribunal.
Aqib was offered a five-figure settlement by the company as a result of his complaint.