Latest news with #EdinburghEmploymentTribunal
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scots easyJet boss sacked for "comments about crew members' bodies"
Amanda Gallagher, an easyJet manager based in Glasgow, gave evidence at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal on Tuesday, June 17. A Scots easyJet boss fired a cabin manager who showed "repeated conduct" issues involving comments about crew members' bodies, a court has heard. Amanda Gallagher, an easyJet manager based in Glasgow, gave evidence at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal on Tuesday, June 17. As reported by Edinburgh Live, Ms Gallagher said that she terminated Ross Barr's employment for "gross misconduct". Former cabin manager Barr, 48, is suing the airline for unfair dismissal and sexual orientation discrimination, alleging he was told he couldn't "make the same announcements as a gay colleague" over aircraft PA systems. He outlined on Monday accusations made against him by customers and crew members, such as making inappropriate jokes at work. On Tuesday the court heard Ms Gallagher was present during Mr Barr's various disciplinary hearings. She also made the ultimate decision to terminate his employment. Ms Gallagher addressed a customer complaint where Mr Barr was allegedly walking behind a female colleague and said "I'm not doing anything, just staring at your a**". Ms Gallagher had spoken with Mr Barr following the incident and told the court: "He said it was banter but didn't understand there was no need to be referencing someone's backside." Mr Barr recalled using the word "bum" and also refuted that he referred to his comments as "banter". The court also heard that Mr Barr once brushed past a female colleague in close quarters on an aircraft and said something to the effect of "I just brushed past your boobs". Ms Gallagher felt Mr Barr's conduct was not "professional in front of customers and other crew" especially when referring to "more sensitive areas". Employment solicitor Jenni Darling, representing easyJet, brought up a separate incident where Mr Barr allegedly told a crew member to stow an extra seatbelt in storage. Ms Gallagher claimed he told the member of staff to "Stuff it in - I bet you've never had that problem". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. On her decision to fire Mr Barr, she referred to both staff and customer complaints against the cabin manager. Ms Gallagher shared: "There was similar conduct from the past and it hadn't been rectified" and "Given that it was repeated behaviour, it was gross misconduct and it was termination of Mr Barr's employment." Mr Gallagher also posed that Mr Barr presented a safety threat. She said: "A cabin manager is in a position of trust on board an aircraft [but] crew might not feel comfortable coming to you. If there is sexual conduct [and] if you have to complete safety-related duties in proximity to Mr Barr, [crew] might not complete those safety duties." While giving evidence on Monday Mr Barr claimed conversations that took place in the rear of the aircraft were "quite personal" and "of a sexual nature". Ms Gallagher asserted on Tuesday that if such conversations were taking place in the cabin, she would expect it to be reported. She added: "There is no soundproof wall" on the plane and "customers can hear everything being said." Mr Barr further told the court that his termination related to his public announcements (PAs), but Ms Gallagher claimed his PAs had "very little" to do with his termination. Instead, she stated, it was due to his "conduct". She added: "It's around conduct and what we believe is right onboard. The fact a customer wrote in with a concern is not good for the brand of easyJet." The hearing is presided over by Employment Judge Muriel Robison. The tribunal continues.
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Decision to pull cops from duty over Tallia Storm photo 'sparked fury among colleagues'
The decision to permanently withdraw Mr Jones and Mr Tunnock sent "shockwaves" through the force, a tribunal has heard. A Police Scotland inspector has said the decision to permanently withdraw two firearm officers after they posed for a photo with a pop singer has sent "shockwaves" through the force. On June 13, Inspector Andrew Miller told the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal that the force's reaction to the incident was "disproportionate" and left colleagues furious, reports Edinburgh Live. Firearms officers Steven Jones and Greg Tunnock were withdrawn from the firearms unit after they were filmed taking pictures with Scottish singer Tallia Storm on the job. They argued that the incident was branded "misogynistic" by bosses, claiming the "knee-jerk" withdrawal decision was made to mitigate bad publicity. Speaking to the tribunal on Friday, Mr Miller admitted he believed the officers ' treatment "may not be proportionate to the circumstances." Mr Miller said: "I didn't believe their actions were misogynistic. I was aware it could be interpreted as misogynistic [by the public]. I didn't believe that was the case, but it could be interpreted that way by others." He later stated: "We had to be aware how the public would view this." Miller, who's spent nearly three decades in the job, said he had "never seen" a "critical decision taken like this" so quickly in his 27 years of police service. The inspector said the decision to permanently withdraw Mr Jones and Mr Tunnock sent "shockwaves" through the force and that " officers were enraged at the action" taken against their colleagues. Mr Miller added: "If we take a step back, it was ultimately a photograph" and he "had concerns the punishment may not be proportionate to the circumstances". The tribunal also heard reference to the Rhona Malone case, where the former firearms officer was awarded almost £1 million in 2019 after being victimised on the basis of sex by Police Scotland. Mr Miller claimed Police Scotland had done a lot of combat misogyny since 2019 but he was aware senior management "still talk" about the case. The inspector added: "I felt the outcome from the ACC was made too quick and should have followed, in my experience, normal process", such as the conclusion of an investigation by the Professional Standards Department (PSD). Mr Tunnock earlier told the hearing that Insp Miller warned him "the last thing the firearms unit needs is another misogyny case". Mr Miller claimed on Friday "that is how it would be viewed" by management. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However, under questioning from Police Scotland's lawyer, Mr Gibson, Mr Miller agreed with assistant chief constable Ritchie's assertion on June 12 that Ms Storm's gender was irrelevant to the withdrawal decision. He also said his concerns about management's perception of misogyny were "unfounded" given that the officers were struck off for "poor judgement, decision-making, and situational awareness". Mr Miller also criticised the officers for their decision-making, saying: "There was acknowledgement [from the officers] that this wasn't the best thing they'd ever done. They need to have a degree of professional awareness that they were being filmed. It just doesn't look good." The proceedings are presided over by Employment Judge Amanda Jones. The five-day hearing began on Monday, June 9 and was scheduled to conclude on Friday, June 13.
Edinburgh Live
13-06-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh armed police withdrawal after Tallia Storm photo sparked 'shockwaves'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Police Scotland inspector said the permanent withdrawal of two firearms officers following a controversial incident sent "shockwaves" through the force. Inspector Andrew Miller gave evidence at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal on Friday, June 13, claiming the officers' treatment was "disproportionate" to their actions. His evidence comes on the fifth day of a sexual discrimination case lodged by Steven Jones and Greg Tunnock who were withdrawn from the firearms unit after they were filmed taking photographs with Scottish singer Tallia Storm on the job. They argued the incident was branded "misogynistic" by bosses, claiming the "knee-jerk" withdrawal decision was made to mitigate bad publicity. Speaking to the tribunal on Friday, Insp Miller admitted he believed the officers' treatment "may not be proportionate to the circumstances". Mr Miller said: "I didn't believe their actions were misogynistic. I was aware it could be interpreted as misogynistic [by the public]. I didn't believe that was the case, but it could be interpreted that way by others." He later stated: "We had to be aware how the public would view this." Under cross-examination, Mr Miller claimed he had "never seen" a "critical decision taken like this" so quickly in his 27 years of police service. The inspector said the decision to permanently withdraw Mr Jones and Mr Tunnock sent "shockwaves" through the force and that "officers were enraged at the action" taken against their colleagues. Mr Miller added: "If we take a step back, it was ultimately a photograph" and he "had concerns the punishment may not be proportionate to the circumstances". Reference was made to Rhona Malone, a firearms officer who in 2019 was paid nearly £1m after an employment tribunal found she had been victimised on the basis of sex by Police Scotland. Mr Miller claimed the force had done a lot of combat misogyny since 2019 but he was aware senior management "still talk" about the case. The inspector added: "I felt the outcome from the ACC was made too quick and should have followed, in my experience, normal process", such as the conclusion of an investigation by the Professional Standards Department (PSD). Mr Tunnock previously told the court that Insp Miller told him "the last thing the firearms unit needs is another misogyny case". Mr Miller claimed on Friday "that is how it would be viewed" by management. However, under re-examination from Mr Gibson, representing Police Scotland, Mr Miller agreed with assistant chief constable Ritchie's assertion on June 12 that Ms Storm's gender was irrelevant to the withdrawal decision. He also said his concerns about management's perception of misogyny were "unfounded" given that the officers were struck off for "poor judgement, decision-making, and situational awareness". Mr Miller also criticised the officers for their decision-making, saying: "There was acknowledgement [from the officers] that this wasn't the best thing they'd ever done. They need to have a degree of professional awareness that they were being filmed. It just doesn't look good." The proceedings are presided over by Employment Judge Amanda Jones. The five-day hearing began on Monday, June 9 and was scheduled to conclude on Friday, June 13. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community her e and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Edinburgh Live
12-06-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh armed police officer told 'last thing we need is another misogyny case'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A second firearms officer is suing Police Scotland over alleged sex discrimination following a controversial incident that was filmed and posted on TikTok. Greg Tunnock, 34, gave evidence at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal on Thursday, June 12, following days of testimony from his colleague Steven Jones. Both men are embroiled in a legal battle sparked by an incident that took place on March 1, 2024. While on duty patrolling Scottish Parliament, the authorised firearms officers parked their vehicle to take photographs with Scottish singer Tallia Storm. Mr Tunnock was permanently withdrawn from the firearms unit in 2024 and today called the decision a "knee-jerk" reaction from Police Scotland bosses. Mr Tunnock claimed his actions were branded "misogynistic" and his superiors "only want good publicity". He added: "I thought it was a good bit of community engagement. In total, I'd guess [the interaction] was a minute from start to finish." Mr Tunnock filed the suit under a sex discrimination claim, alleging his treatment stemmed from a fear that the firearms unit was perceived as sexist. He believed female officers in the same position would have been treated less harshly. The officer also claimed his superior, Andrew Miller, became "irate" and said "the last thing the firearms unit needs is another misogyny case". Mr Tunnock told the court a permanent withdrawal from a unit was "extremely rare," adding: "The Police Scotland ethos is not to take purely punitive action. You learn from your mistakes." The officer spoke to the emotional impact of the ordeal after he was withdrawn from the unit. He said: "I felt absolutely terrible. I felt what happened was unjust. I felt sick physically in the stomach." Following the incident, Mr Tunnock told the court he was signed off work by his GP for anxiety and depression. He shared: "I felt horrible. I never felt so low in my life. At one point, I was contemplating suicide." During Mr Tunnock's leave of absence, he claimed a superior showed up at his home to check on him after a period away from his mobile phone. He said: "There was genuine concern I had harmed myself and how bad that would have looked. It was the only reason they checked in on me. They only want good publicity, they don't want bad publicity. 'Former officer found dead in home after knee-jerk reaction' - that's terrible press." Mr Tunnock also refuted his conduct was misogynistic and said the accusation took him "by surprise". He was particularly "upset" by the claim given that a female family member had been the victim of "controlling behaviour". He added: "I found it an inappropriate, knee-jerk reaction" and shared "it blows my mind" that he was withdrawn from the unit so soon after the incident without a full investigation being completed. Responding to former assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie's assertion from June 11 that the incident showed poor judgement and decision-making, Mr Tunnock said: "I find it difficult to compare life threatening decision-making with community engagement." The officer had hoped the photos with Tallia Storm could be a way for the force to "relate to younger people", a demographic he said Police Scotland struggled to engage with. The five-day proceedings began on Monday, June 9 and are presided over by Employment Judge Amanda Jones. The tribunal continues. If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch.
Edinburgh Live
09-06-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh police officer sues force after 'suspension for photo with influencer'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh authorised firearms officer is taking legal action against Police Scotland - claiming he was unfairly suspended after an "incident" was filmed and posted on TikTok. Steven Jones, 35, gave evidence at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal on Monday, June 9 where he is suing on the grounds of sex discrimination. Mr Jones says his behaviour was branded as "misogynistic" and he suffered detriment due to a fear among Police Scotland management that the armed response unit is perceived as having a "boys' club mentality". The court heard details of the incident which took place on March 1, 2024. It concerns a video posted to TikTok by Scottish singer Tallia Storm. Footage shows Mr Jones and his partner exiting their marked police vehicle on Edinburgh's Cowgate to snap a photo with Ms Storm. Mr Jones can be seen taking the photograph while his partner poses with the media personality. The court heard that Mr Jones' superiors "chastised" him following the incident. Mr Jones claimed they described his conduct as "mysogynistic". The officer also said he was criticised following the public's "negative" response to the TikTok and for parking the police vehicle on a road with "heavy" pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Mr Jones believed he was punished due to "past instances of misogyny" in the firearms unit, which he felt constitutes sex discrimination. He claimed senior management at Police Scotland were wary the armed response unit is perceived as having a "lads' mentality". He said: "Because of the word "misogyny," it made me feel it was because I as a male interacting with a female that it was viewed through that lens. If a member of the other sex had that interaction, it wouldn't have happened." Employment solicitor Mr Merck, representing Mr Jones, made reference to a prominent case where female firearms officer Rhona Malone was paid nearly £1m after an employment tribunal found she had been victimised on the basis of sex by Police Scotland. Mr Jones believed Ms Malone's case informed the reason his behaviour was branded as "misogynistic". Mr Jones added: "It really surprised me. I was extremely upset and shocked because I knew I had to disclose to my partner what I had been accused of and explain to my family." On March 1, 2024 Mr Jones and his colleague were on "parliament duty", requiring them to patrol the streets surrounding Scottish Parliament including the Cowgate and Grassmarket. While driving on Cowgate, the pair encountered a large crowd of pedestrians. Mr Jones, who was driving, slowed the vehicle to assess whether the scene required intervention. He claimed he then noticed Ms Storm in the crowd. Mr Jones said: "I knew who she was due to the publicity and her being the capital DJ host at the time. She was on the side of trams and buses." He and his partner exited their vehicle - which housed firearms inside a locked compartment - for around one minute. Mr Jones added: "It could've been less than that." The officer claimed Ms Storm was "ecstatic" by the photo op and stated: "There was no rude behaviour or catcalling. I present myself courteously and was calm in the situation. We engaged in conversation to ascertain that a Q&A was being held. It looked like she was making her way over. We very quickly introduced ourselves, it was a polite interaction." The officer also said he and his partner continued to maintain security of their vehicle during the incident. Mr Jones claimed he later faced suspension, a sanction he felt was not commensurate to his actions. He said: "It is our job to engage with people. We don't police with fear, we police by good interactions with the public. The last thing I'd ever want is the public to fear the police and to fear me. I always speak to people as a human being. I meet them where they are. Mr Jones joined Police Scotland in March 2017. In June 2023, he completed authorised firearms officer training. The court heard of his ambition to become a national firearms instructor and how Mr Jones claimed he was repeatedly nudged to pursue a role in counterterrorism. However, since the incident the officer said he has been demoted to an office role dealing with "low-level daily calls" whereas he was formerly tasked with "very high risk incidents" with "very high levels of decision making" on the firearms unit. The five-day proceedings began on Monday, June 9 and are presided over by Employment Judge Amanda Jones. The tribunal continues.
