'Reputation over wellbeing' | MPs accuse HR of 'protecting sexist bosses' in new report

In a scathing report released Friday, Parliament's Treasury Committee accused HR departments of prioritising the reputation of businesses over the wellbeing of employees, particularly women facing sexism and harassment in the finance sector.

The report highlighted a concerning trend where women in finance felt intimidated to speak out against abuses in the workplace, fearing repercussions in what they perceive as a predominantly male-dominated environment.

MPs expressed alarm over the ‘growing power’ of HR departments, which they say are failing to adequately protect victims of abuse. According to the committee, victims of harassment often feel that HR teams are more focused on ‘safeguarding the firm's reputation’ rather than addressing their concerns.

The concerns raised coincide with the expansion of Britain's HR sector, with salaries in the industry reaching £25 billion, compared to £15 billion in 2017. Despite this growth, MPs argue that HR departments are not fulfilling their duty to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.