A 64-year-old dental nurse has been awarded £25,254 in compensation after an employment tribunal in Edinburgh ruled she was the victim of persistent workplace bullying and constructive dismissal.
Maureen Howieson, who spent more than 40 years working in dentistry, was assigned mainly to reception duties at Great Junction Dental Practice due to arthritis. But tensions quickly escalated following the arrival of dental therapist Jisna Iqbal, a qualified dentist from India who was not licensed to practise in the UK.
According to tribunal findings, Iqbal repeatedly undermined and belittled Howieson, rolling her eyes when she spoke, refusing reasonable tasks, and openly dismissing instructions. In one case, when asked to clean a toilet before inspection, she allegedly retorted: “I am a dentist.” Dentist Daniela Siersch supported Howieson’s account of the bullying.
The situation worsened in October 2024, when Howieson suffered a panic attack at work, prompting her resignation. The tribunal concluded that the practice had created a hostile working environment and failed to intervene despite admitting there had been “issues with Mrs Iqbal before.”
Employment Judge Ronald Mackay ruled that the clinic committed multiple repudiatory breaches of contract, amounting to constructive dismissal, and ordered compensation.
The National Bullying Helpline has stressed that workplace bullying, often involving repeated intimidation and humiliation, can have severe emotional and professional impacts. The organisation reminded employers of their duty of care to provide a safe and supportive workplace.
Both Great Junction Dental Practice and Ms Iqbal have been contacted for comment.
