Man appointed as period officer by all-female group takes legal action after removal from post

Jason Grant, who took up the role only two weeks ago, is instructing Dundee firm MML Legal.

His case will be made on the basis of the Equality Act and comes after his his employers, an all-female working group made up of staff from Dundee & Angus College, Perth College, and councils in Dundee and Angus, announced the role had been abolished.

The decision came in the wake of a backlash to his appointment, with many angry at the fact a man was appointed to the role.

Ryan Russell, of MML Legal, said Mr Grant had gone from “poster boy to fall guy”.

Mr Russell said: “Let it be known that my client was removed from his role and did not leave. This was not something they wanted to happen and he was excluded from key discussions and decisions that were made.

“My client was publicly removed on Tuesday before his employer had officially confirmed the position in writing to him.

“Jason was appointed by the partnership and collectively they concluded that this person was the best candidate for the role after a thorough recruitment process.

“A very public landmark appointment was to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter for all concerned. The reality has been poster boy to fall guy in a matter of weeks.”

The post was described by the working group as a “pioneering new role to end period poverty and reduce stigma”.

Mr Russell said: “The partnership chose to remain completely silent in the last few weeks until publicly announcing the dismissal from the post.

“The partnership said absolutely nothing whilst Jason came under constant attack from all around the globe.

“There are many legal issues arising not only from the appointment but in the decisions that have been made not to support Jason or stand by their appointment which could impact his health, career and future prospects.

He added: “If Jason was not a man, would he have been dismissed from the role?

“How would you feel if a member of your family was treated like this? The legal process and pursuit of justice will bring answers.”