‘Stroppy kid’

Can using the words ‘stroppy kid’ in the workplace be taken as harassment on the grounds of age?

Roberts v Cash Zone (Camberley) Ltd is an employment tribunal decision which shows that while most age discrimination claims are brought about by older people, the legislation is also being used by younger workers.

Roberts was 18 years of age, and brought a harassment claim related to her age on the basis that her supervisor had referred to her as "a kid", "a stroppy kid", and "stroppy little teenager". The tribunal highlighted that the words "teenager" and “kid” can be both descriptive, or judgmental, with the latter often being derogatory and relating to assumptions about stereotypical behavior. Here the supervisor’s criticism was judgmental based on stereotyping related to Robert’s’ age which had the effect of belittling her and creating a hostile or offensive environment. The tribunal awarded Roberts £2,000 for injury to feelings.