Former Barclays director Robert Record has lost an employment lawsuit against the British bank, where he sought compensation of nearly £600,000 ($770,000) after being fired for sexual

harassment. The London tribunal announced the verdict, stating that Record's claims of unfair dismissal, sex discrimination, and breach of contract were rejected.

Record, who was once a senior wealth manager overseeing assets worth £580 million, was dismissed in September 2020 due to gross misconduct, ending his 14-year career with the bank. He contested the allegations brought against him, asserting that female colleagues had fabricated the claims, and argued that his dismissal was unjust.

The former banker claimed that the most serious incidents of harassment, including inappropriate touching of a female colleague, never occurred. He sought compensation for lost past and future earnings, deferred bonuses, pension benefits, and injury to feelings.

The tribunal's findings, published on Thursday, rejected all of Record's complaints, affirming that the dismissal was lawful and valid. Barclays and Record's lawyer have yet to provide a response to the verdict.

During the March hearing at the East London Employment Tribunal, Record testified that he and others had witnessed a group of women in meetings, leading him to believe they were conspiring against him. However, Barclays presented disciplinary evidence indicating "unwelcome physical contact with a female colleague" and sexual harassment as the basis for Record's dismissal.

The allegations against Record included accusations of excluding a female staff member from a scavenger hunt, leering at a woman's breasts, and inappropriately touching another female colleague, as stated in court filings. Record staunchly denied all the allegations brought against him.

This case sheds light on the importance of addressing and combatting sexual harassment in the workplace, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to protect employees and foster a safe working environment. Employers are increasingly held accountable for taking swift and decisive action against such misconduct, as demonstrated by Barclays' decision to dismiss Record for gross misconduct.

The outcome of this lawsuit sends a clear message that sexual harassment allegations must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. It also emphasizes the need for businesses to implement robust policies and procedures to handle such cases in a fair and transparent manner. As awareness of workplace harassment continues to grow, it is crucial for companies to foster a culture of respect and zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, safeguarding the well-being and dignity of all employees. Photo by GroupEditor, Wikimedia commons.