Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Ex-Barclays Banker Sues Over 'Joke' Leading to Job Loss
An investment banker named Mathew Humphrey is suing Barclays.
He says the bank fired him unfairly because of a comment he made that was taken the wrong way.
Humphrey was looking at a possible mistake with a client's fees and told a junior colleague not to reveal it, saying it could "open a can of worms".
The bank investigated and then fired Humphrey.
Humphrey says the comment was just a joke.
He is now asking for money to cover his lost pay and to help him find a new job.
The bank's lawyers deny his claims.
Ex-Barclays banker Mathew Humphrey sued the bank for unfair dismissal.
Humphrey's dismissal followed an internal probe regarding a client fee error.
He allegedly told a junior colleague to conceal the fee issue, citing concerns about "a can of worms."
Humphrey claims the comment was a joke taken out of context.
Humphrey seeks £116,000 ($154,550) in lost compensation.
- Who
- Mathew Humphrey and Barclays Bank.
- What
- An ex-Barclays banker is suing the bank for unfair dismissal.
- When
- Humphrey was dismissed in October last year, and the suit was filed sometime after.
- Where
- London
- Why
- Humphrey alleges his dismissal was unfair due to a comment he made being taken out of context.
Mathew Humphrey's View
Barclays' View
Context of the comment
Mathew Humphrey's View
The comment was a "flflippant joke".
Barclays' View
Barclays lawyers claim it was an instruction not to escalate the issue.
Reason for Dismissal
Mathew Humphrey's View
The bank took the joke out of context to fire him.
Barclays' View
The bank maintains the issue was Humphrey's dishonesty.
- Plaintiff
- Mathew Humphrey
- Defendant
- Barclays Plc
- Position
- Assistant Vice President (Ex-)
- Location
- London
- Alleged Misconduct
- Attempting to cover up a potential client fee error
- Compensation Sought
- £116,000 ($154,550)