Christmas party harassment: Woman awarded £36k after complaint

Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner at the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, said the case highlighted that employers needed to ensure the safety and dignity of staff at Christmas parties.

“Employers need to have the policy and procedures… they need to send out timely reminders because we’re in Christmas time, loads of social events, whether they’re organised through employers or through a group of colleagues, they are still work events. Everyone needs to know how to behave,” she said.

“I never did it because of the money, I just wanted to be comfortable at work and be able to settle in,” Ms Hermosilla said.

“I am happy that we can just move on because I do not want this to be my whole experience in Belfast.”

As part of the settlement, Ms Hermosilla and the colleague have agreed to put the matter behind them and work together going forward, including face-to-face if necessary.

They also agreed that mediation was not needed.