KPMG | UK boss steps aside after 'stop moaning' comments to staff

Bill Michael, UK Chairman of KPMG, has stepped aside from his role at the Big Four firm, as the accountancy company launches an investigation into the comments he made during a virtual town hall meeting. 

He was also forced to apologise in an email for his choice of words to staff, which he said "did not reflect what I believe in".

Attendees were discussing the impact that the global pandemic has had on their working lives, while also informing Michael of concerns over potential cuts to their pension contributions, pay and bonuses, one senior employee said.

This is according to the Financial Times, who reported that issues were also raised about KPMG measuring staff performance against a “forced distribution curve”, where members in the team are ranked from best to worst.