London: In a bizarre yet significant workplace discrimination case, a UK woman has been awarded nearly £28,989.61 (approximately ₹34 lakh) in compensation after an employment tribunal found that a colleague comparing her to Darth Vader caused her emotional distress and workplace harm.
According to BBC reports, Lorna Rooke, who worked as a training and practice supervisor for the NHS Blood and Transplant Service, was the subject of a team-building activity in which her coworker Amander Harber filled out a Star Wars-themed personality test on her behalf. Upon her return from a personal call, Ms. Harber informed the team that Ms. Rooke had been matched with the personality of Darth Vader, the iconic villain from the Star Wars franchise.
Tribunal Rules in Favour of Employee
The incident, which took place in 2021, may have appeared lighthearted to some, but it had a lasting impact on Ms. Rooke. She argued that the comparison contributed to her unpopularity among co-workers and influenced her decision to resign a month later. While the tribunal did not uphold her claim of unfair dismissal, it did agree that the comparison constituted a “detriment”, meaning it had a negative effect on her working environment.
In her ruling, Employment Judge Kathryn Ramsden stated:
“Darth Vader is a legendary villain of the Star Wars series, and being aligned with his personality is insulting. It is little wonder that Ms. Rooke was upset.”
Although the Darth Vader category in the team quiz was described as a “very focused individual who brings the team together,” the judge ruled that such a description lacked credibility, particularly since the test was completed by someone else and shared without Ms. Rooke’s consent.
Mixed Verdict
While the tribunal rejected Ms. Rooke’s claims of unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, and failure to make reasonable adjustments, it upheld her claim regarding the detriment caused by the comparison after a protected disclosure.
The final ruling resulted in a compensation award of £28,989.61, as reported by The Independent.
NHS Responds
In response to the ruling, an NHS spokesperson said:
“We acknowledge the outcome of the tribunal. We are committed to maintaining and continually improving a respectful and inclusive workplace for all colleagues.”
A Case with Broader Implications
The case highlights how even seemingly playful workplace behaviour can cross professional boundaries and result in legal consequences. It serves as a reminder to organisations and employees alike about the importance of consent, context, and sensitivity in workplace interactions.
