An employment tribunal has ruled that using the word 'coloured' to describe someone is not inherently racist, even if the term is considered offensive or outdated. The decision came in the case of Amy Reeves, a mixed-heritage administrative worker who claimed discrimination and racial harassment after a colleague referred to two women as 'coloured' in March 2025.
The tribunal found that while the term is 'generally considered to be old fashioned' and potentially 'offensive,' it is not racist when used as a one-off comment solely to 'describe' someone from an ethnic minority background. The judge determined that the colleague who used the term did not intend for it to be offensive and that it was not reasonable for Ms. Reeves to be upset by its use in this context.
Ms. Reeves, who is of British and Jamaican heritage, was employed by Kier Ltd. in Sheffield from November 2024. She reported that on her first day, a colleague described a tenant as a 'little old black lady.' The following day, she expressed concerns about discriminatory comments to an unidentified person, stating that people 'just need to be educated better' in the office, which she noted was '100% white British.'
In March 2025, Ms. Reeves heard a project manager, Wayne Pashley, refer to 'two coloured ladies outside.' She stated Mr. Pashley appeared startled when he realized she had overheard him and that she found the language offensive and upsetting. She subsequently reported the incident to her manager, citing 'racial discrimination' as a struggle at work. She also noted that site staff had used terms like 'two coloured ladies,' 'old black ladies,' and frequently laughed at non-English last names, making her feel uncomfortable.
Her manager offered to address the comments, but Ms. Reeves declined, believing she had de-escalated tension in the office. She did, however, express a personal preference for the term 'black' not to be used descriptively, although she acknowledged many people of color are not bothered by it.
Following this, Ms. Reeves alleged ongoing 'discriminatory behaviour, microaggressions, and a pattern of exclusion.' She filed a grievance in May 2025, requesting to work remotely during the investigation, and went on sick leave due to stress. She resigned in July 2025, citing Kier's failure to protect her from discrimination.
The company's investigation into her grievance did not uphold her concerns. Ms. Reeves had already filed claims with an employment tribunal by October 2025, when the grievance concluded. Employment Judge Kirsty Ayre dismissed her complaints of harassment related to race, victimisation, and direct race discrimination.
Judge Ayre acknowledged that the use of 'coloured' was a 'racially slanted adverse comment' and related to race. However, the ruling stated that Mr. Pashley did not intend to violate Ms. Reeves's dignity or create a hostile environment, but rather used the word as a descriptor. The tribunal accepted that Ms. Reeves was upset by the comment, but concluded it was not reasonable for her to be upset, describing it as a 'one off comment, not directed at' her. The judge cited a previous finding that 'not every racially slanted adverse comment or conduct may constitute the violation of a person's dignity.'
Ms. Reeves expressed bewilderment at the ruling, stating she was called sensitive for reporting racist employees and felt the judicial system failed her. She is considering an appeal but is concerned about the toll it would take on her well-being. She has since started an OnlyFans page.