An easyJet cabin manager who claimed his inappropriate comments were merely 'banter' has lost his appeal against unfair dismissal. Ross Barr, based in Edinburgh, was sacked in September last year after a disciplinary hearing found he had made misogynistic and sexual remarks to female crew members.
The employment tribunal heard allegations that Barr told a crew member he was 'staring at your ass', called female flight attendants 'lovely ladies' over the tannoy, and referred to his 'more attractive colleagues'. He also made a comment about a crew member's breasts and a sexual innuendo about stuffing a seatbelt into a bag.
Barr argued that his comments were taken out of context and were part of 'banter' with colleagues he knew well. He claimed the airline failed to provide written reasons for his dismissal and that he was treated less favourably due to his sexual orientation.
However, Employment Judge Muriel Robison ruled there was 'no substance' to Barr's claims. The judge found that easyJet had a 'genuine belief' that Barr committed gross misconduct and that the investigation was reasonable. The tribunal dismissed all claims, including the allegation of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
