This week Simon, David and Imogen discuss the case of Lacatus v Barclays Execution Services Limited. The case had many issues, but we focus on the Tribunal’s findings that the male line manager of the female Claimant, in referring to women as “birds”, subjected the Claimant to direct sex discrimination. The Tribunal found that “the use of the phrase ‘bird’ was a misplaced use of irony which inadvertently caused offence”, thus demonstrating that it is the effect on the individual that is usually relevant in discrimination or harassment claims, rather than the intention of the perpetrator.

We also explore the differences between Orville the Duck and Uri Geller. As you’d expect.