Two separate inquiries have concluded that the bullying and harassment of staff is a significant problem in both the House of Commons and the Lords. Gemma White QC’s investigation into bullying in the Commons uncovered instances of MPs’ staff being shouted at, groped and even having office equipment thrown at them by superiors. Naomi Ellenbogen QC said that bullying in the Lords was rooted in a culture of “undue deference, fear and hierarchy” between members and staff, which included segregated lifts, staircases and toilets. She estimated that up to 20% of the house’s 778 members had behaved inappropriately to staff, cases that went unreported for “fear of reprisal”. Both inquiries recommended sweeping reforms of working practices and reporting procedures.…
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The Week United Kingdom (Digital) - 1 Issue, V. 1236