Howells was discussing quarterly figures with staff when he is
reported as saying: "the results were like Muslims – some were
good, some were Shi'ite".
The remark was reported to senior management and a complaint was
made. It is understood that Howells has left in what has been
called 'redundancy under compromise'. He was the head of
Barclaycard in Europe.
Barclaycard will not comment directly on Howells and his leaving
of the company, but company sources told The Daily Telegraph
newspaper: "once word got round and a complaint was made he was
toast. Part of the deal was that the circumstances of his departure
must never be disclosed. But there was no chance of that once his
Shi'ite joke started doing the rounds."
"We have nothing to add on this particular case," said a
Barclaycard statement. "Everybody who works here gets guidance of
what is right and what is wrong. We have a robust approach to
equality and diversity and do not tolerate discrimination."
