Philip Green | HR issues hit Arcadia Group before downfall

HR issues have the power to make or break a business. For example, if an employer handles negative cases well and admits their failings they will likely be seen more positively, however, if a business is unable to bounce back following the negative press it can ultimately lead to a company’s demise.

Last year Lloyd’s of London acted fast in order to repair its reputation after a damaging report was published on sexual misconduct at the firm. A Bloomberg investigation had discovered that there was evidence of sexual assault and harassment towards female employees at Lloyd’s.

Since the report, the organisation pledged to act and commissioned a survey to investigate its culture. This has also prompted more warnings about guidance and behaviour at the business, helping Lloyd’s to improve its reputation once more.

Elsewhere, Sir Philip Green, Chairman of Arcadia Group, a retail company that has Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Burton within its portfolio, has been accused in the past of subjecting employees in the business to abuse. According to the Guardian, this included racial, physical and sexual abuse.