A former Radio Clyde breakfast show DJ has lodged an employment tribunal claim against the station alleging sex discrimination.
Comic Des McLean, 43, was laid off in August and replaced by co-presenters Suzie McGuire and George Bowie.
He claims the station's managers told him that they preferred a "male/female combination" for their morning show and organised a champagne party to celebrate the shake-up.
Tribunal papers state: "The claimant [i.e., McLean] contends that the respondent [Radio Clyde] directly discriminated against him on the grounds of his sex.
"The claimant was advised at the meeting on August 23 that the reason he was being dismissed with immediate effect was to be replaced by a female presenter/broadcaster to work alongside the claimant's then co-host George Bowie."
McLean said: "I have had a number of discussions with my lawyer about the case and I will be happy to talk about it but only after the tribunal.
"Until then, I'd rather not say too much."
Radio Clyde also declined to comment.
When the station announced McLean's departure, along with the show's producer Adele Cunningham, its director Tracey McNellan described the pair as "great assets" to the station and reassured listeners "we'll be utilising their talents elsewhere".
In light of the tribunal claim, however, McLean's return to the station must now be in serious jeopardy.
Links:
- Axed Radio Clyde DJ Des McLean claims sex discrimination behind sacking (Daily Record)
- Sex discrimination (Findlaw.co.uk)
- Employment law news (The Solicitor)
- Employment law Q&A (Community)
- Find an employment solicitor (Contact Law)
