Indian woman’s ‘eye roll’ earns UK dental nurse Rs 30 lakh compensation

Indian woman’s ‘eye roll’ earns UK dental nurse Rs 30 lakh compensation

Mangalore Today News Network

United Kingdom, Sep 2, 2025: A dental nurse in the United Kingdom (UK) has been awarded about Rs 30 lakh (£25,000) in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled she was subjected to “rude, isolating, bullying and belittling” behaviour, including constant eye-rolling and belittling, from an Indian-origin colleague.

According to The Metro, the dispute arose at the Great Junction Dental Practice in Edinburgh, between Jisna Iqbal, a dentist from India not yet eligible to practice in the UK, and Maureen Howieson, 64, who had worked in dentistry for over four decades.

The tribunal heard that Howieson accused Iqbal of being “rude and disrespectful” when they worked together and of rolling her eyes whenever she spoke. Iqbal denied the claims, but the panel accepted Howieson’s version of events.

The tribunal judge noted that the tense atmosphere had created a “hostile working environment” for Howieson. The conflict escalated after Iqbal was asked to cover reception duties during Howieson’s sick leave. Howieson, who had originally been assigned to the reception role because of her arthritis, felt aggrieved by the change, further straining their relationship.

The Metro reported that tensions worsened in September 2024, when Howieson was reduced to tears at work. She told a colleague she had been “reduced to being a cleaner,” before suffering a panic attack due to stress.

When she was underpaid the following month, Howieson resigned, calling it the “final straw.”

Judge Ronald Mackay, presiding over the case, said the clinic’s “failure” to act on her concerns was an “unacceptable omission.” He added that assurances made to her “were not kept, leading to an ongoing hostile working environment.”