My boss, corporate hospitality and only inviting men

[CheshireSplat]

I have another thread about my boss who's recruited a male friend of his on a heap more money than me. Anyway, he's taking this guy (who hasn't started yet) to the races next week. Which is okay. Obviously I'd like to go. But the reason he's given to me and a senior female manager is that he can't take women to events like this (all day, just the two people from the office, although there will be a number of others in the group) because his wife wouldn't like it.

Is it just me, or is this straightforward discrimination on the basis of sex?

Just working out what to do with this information... I can't believe he's actually said this out loud.

Does your boss have a boss?

What sort of business is it? Any HR?
Show him up on social media (and look for another job).

God, no, don't show up your boss on social media!

Imperial, I would exit pronto from a toxic company and explain why...the business doesn't deserve custom.

Is it a family owned business? I remember your other thread, but not this detail.

Not that it should make any difference, but just offers a bit of background.

And FWIW if an employee of mine said that I'd think they were incompetent, unprofessional and sexist.

It is a large company, privately owned. My boss is the Legal Director (I know!!!). So yes, does have another boss. This boss is very very senior and not the right person from me to approach with this.

Putting this in context I got a lot of good advice on my previous thread so have applied for new jobs. Am down to the last couple in two different applications. Yay! I also grasped the nettle and have written to my boss to explain that I had done lots of market research, set out what I expected this new employee to be on and why I should be on more (managerial responsibilities). My meeting with my boss to discuss this issue is tomorrow and he comes out with this today....

Oh scurry, HR aren't going to be much help as I know they've told him about a complaint about him from another member of my team that they should have kept confidential.

Do not show him up on social media, that is not going to look good to future employers or business contacts.

He and his wife are ridiculous. If you are going as a group it is hardly likely he'll be flirting, canoodling or more with other employees looking on. I can't think of a boss appropriate way to tell him 'That's ridiculous and flat out sexual discrimination. Does your wife seriously think we'll be groping each other in front of half the management team? Going to the races would be a great time to discuss ideas for improving the business in a relaxed setting, cutting X and I out of this is bad for the business'. Tact is not my strong point and I have the performance appraisals to show it.

This is flat out wrong because these type of events are when a lot of business does get discussed, ideas put forward, and decisions made. You are and your female colleague are being shut out of decisions and part of the information loop, you are also not getting a chance to bond with your boss - which helps build morale and mutual trust.

Jackelope you're quite right. I'm going to address it tomorrow. I was so staggered I didn't know what to say!