A High Court action challenging the suspension of a senior employee of a healthcare manufacturer for alleged sexual harassment involving a claim of “playful, mutual and sexualised banter” with a junior colleague has been settled. The court heard the allegations arose out of what had been a long-standing private WhatsApp relationship with a junior female employee featuring what he called mutual sexualised banter. The man had been suspended on pay since April after he was found guilty by another inquiry of sexual harassment, which he strongly denied. Following the finding of sexual harassment, the company was called on to reopen the inquiry but refused to do so and the man brought High Court proceedings. On Friday, Lorna Lynch SC, for the company, told the court the matter had been resolved and could be struck out.
