HSBC faces gay sacking claim

PETER Lewis, former global head of equities at HSBC, is taking the banking giant to an employment tribunal, claiming he was dismissed because he is gay.

He left the bank last month, five months after moving there from Societe Generale, where he was head of global client trading.

HSBC said he had been 'dismissed for gross personal misconduct' and declared that it would contest the case.

'We are satisfied we have made the right decision in dismissing Peter Lewis and will defend the claim vigorously,' said a spokesman.

Lewis's lawyer, Alison Downie of Bindman & Partners, said his claim would be vigorously pursued.

She added: 'He is confident of success. My client says he was dismissed because HSBC Bank Plc discriminated against him because of his sexual orientation as a gay man. There is no question of any allegation of financial impropriety or failure at work by my client.'

Downie and Lewis filed the claim with the Employment Tribunals on 1 March but no date has yet been set for a hearing.

The claim comes at a time of heightened awareness in the City over the treatment of gay and lesbian employees.