I’m worried I’ll be branded a racist because I reported a colleague to his supervisor

DEAR DEIDRE: I’M worried I’ll be branded a racist because I reported a colleague to his supervisor for sexual harassment.

He’s flirty with all the female staff, and I have mostly ignored him because I am shy.

I also have a pressurised job and if I don’t clear my workload I get very stressed.

But recently this man has been pestering me, invading my personal space and making sexual innuendos the whole time.

I am a 34-year-old single woman. He is in his 40s.

He made me feel uncomfortable and anxious so eventually I made a complaint to his boss.

He was spoken to by his supervisor but then he complained about me, suggesting I might be making up stories because I’m racist. He’s also reported that I have been rude to him.

This man happens to be Asian, but as far as I’m concerned that is completely irrelevant.

Now this man has told me I was out of order complaining about him.

My manager has even lectured me on showing respect, even though I feel I did nothing wrong.

I will admit that I was abrupt, but this man is a pest and made me feel intimidated.

If he alludes to racism again I will be helpless. I’m so scared. I feel so lost and anxious. I won’t cope without a job.

DEIDRE SAYS: Being branded racist is awful, especially when you know it’s not true.

It’s impossible to get on with everybody, but it’s important to maintain a courteous approach to stop things escalating further.

Talk to your manager again and explain your fears.

Keep a record of any further exchanges you have with him.

Contact acas.org.uk, 0300 123 1100, which provides free, confidential advice on workplace issues.