Racial Discrimination Case Exposes Shocking Treatment of Sonographer

In a shocking case of racial discrimination and harassment, a black sonographer, Tina Dilibe, was subjected to appalling treatment at a baby scan clinic in Swansea, according to a recent tribunal ruling. Mrs. Dilibe, a Nigerian national, was not only forced to perform cleaning duties at Window to the Womb clinic, a task clearly outside her medical role, but was also threatened with dismissal and deportation if she refused to comply. The tribunal heard that a senior staff member at the clinic, Jeanette Clewes, made racist comments, stereotyping Africans as untruthful and unhygienic. The tribunal found it "astonishing" that Ms. Clewes, who is a director of ultrasound and clinical lead for sonographers, openly expressed such discriminatory views. Additionally, Mrs. Dilibe was falsely accused of having poor personal hygiene and offensive body odor, actions that were described as meant to humiliate her. Employment Judge Claire Sharp concluded that Mrs. Dilibe had been a victim of racial discrimination and harassment, with the clinic's owners, Juliet Luporini and Anthony Woodcock, found to have spoken to her in a threatening manner. The tribunal also noted the owners gave untruthful evidence and attempted to intimidate Mrs. Dilibe when she resigned due to the unfavorable working conditions she faced. Ultimately, the tribunal awarded Mrs. Dilibe £33,611 in compensation for the humiliating, offensive, and degrading treatment she endured at the clinic. The Society of Radiographers, a trade union representing radiographers, commended Mrs. Dilibe for her courage in speaking out against the injustices she faced. The Society highlighted the alarming trend of international recruits being subjected to precarious working conditions in the UK and emphasized the importance of informing them of their basic rights upon arrival. They encouraged international recruits to join a trade union or professional body to receive support and representation in cases of exploitation. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against racism and discrimination in the workplace and the importance of standing up against such injustices to ensure a fair and inclusive working environment for all.