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BALPA demands better support for pilots with mental health issues
Pilots’ union BALPA has said there should be better understanding and support for members with mental health issues after a tribunal found a Flybe employee was unfairly dismissed.
The case of First Officer Matthew Guest has been widely reported after a tribunal found in his favour, but BALPA said reports that he had a ‘fear of flying’ were not accurate and could give a damaging message.
A BALPA spokesperson said: "The reason for Matthew Guest’s dismissal has been misrepresented in the press. Contrary to the press reports, Matthew did not experience ‘fear of flying’.
"The up-to-date medical evidence, as reported in the judgment, cites a temporary social anxiety.
"At the time Flybe decided to dismiss Matthew, all of the relevant medical experts confirmed that he was fit to return to work. The Civil Aviation Authority’s consultant had concluded that Matthew was fit to fly subject to a satisfactory medical flight test.
"Nevertheless, Flybe decided to dismiss Matthew without considering the up-to-date medical evidence and without giving Matthew an opportunity to make his case to the ultimate decision maker; Luke Farajallah, the company’s then chief operating officer.
"The tribunal concluded that no reasonable employer would have decided to dismiss Matthew in these circumstances.
"Matthew took the sensible decision to request time off to deal with his condition and was unfairly dismissed as a result.
"We’re disappointed this has been so widely and inaccurately reported and it shows there is a long way to go in recognising and supporting workers affected by mental health issues.
"This could be hugely damaging to Matthew in gaining future employment and also to the likelihood of other pilots reporting similar mental health conditions to their employers in the future."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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