An EasyJet manager's career has nosedived after an employment tribunal upheld his dismissal for making deeply misogynistic comments about female cabin crew, which he bizarrely tried to defend as a 'comedy sketch' comparison.
David Simpson, who served as the airline's Gatwick Airport base manager, was shown the exit after suggesting the predominantly female crew on a flight to Verona were akin to a 'dreadful comedy sketch'. The tribunal heard how Simpson made the derogatory remark in front of other staff members, creating an 'uncomfortable and hostile' environment.
‘Dreadful Comedy Sketch’ Comment Crossed the Line
The incident unfolded when Simpson, responsible for overseeing operations, was discussing a flight crew. In a moment of spectacularly poor judgement, he stated the team reminded him of a 'dreadful comedy sketch' due to their gender composition.
Employment Judge Sarah Moor, presiding over the case in Brighton, found the comment was 'inherently demeaning' and had clear 'misogynistic undertones'. The tribunal concluded that Simpson's position of authority made the remark even more damaging, as it risked normalising such behaviour within the workplace.
EasyJet’s Zero-Tolerance Policy Upheld
EasyJet, which operates a strict zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, conducted a thorough investigation before terminating Simpson's employment. The tribunal firmly agreed with the airline's decision, stating the company was entirely justified in treating the incident as gross misconduct.
Judge Moor emphasised that Simpson's attempt to brush off the comment as 'light-hearted' or a 'failed joke' held no weight. The ruling stated: 'This was not banter. It was a comment that perpetuated negative stereotypes and was wholly inappropriate for a manager to make.'
A Wider Lesson for Corporate Britain
This case sends a powerful message to workplaces across the UK about the serious consequences of sexist language, particularly from those in leadership roles. Tribunals and companies are increasingly taking a firm stance against behaviour that undermines equality and dignity at work.
The ruling reinforces that claiming something was 'just a joke' is not a valid defence for comments that create a discriminatory environment. For Simpson, the failed tribunal claim means his dismissal for gross misconduct will stand on his record.
