The CEO of Foxtons, the renowned London-based estate agency, has admitted the firm must step-up efforts to reform its workplace culture following allegations of misconduct, including sexual harassment, racism, and a pervasive culture of heavy drinking.
First reported by Bloomberg following an investigation, allegations also include incidents of groping, sharing of explicit messages & images and discussions about female employees' weight in WhatsApp groups, unwanted physical contact, sexual propositions, and the use of racist and anti-Semitic language. Additionally, a culture of heavy drinking was reported, with instances of drunk-driving being commonplace.
One former employee recounted being subjected to unwanted physical advances and explicit messages from a manager. When she reported the behaviour to HR, she was informed that such conduct was "unexceptional."
Another former employee alleged that after reporting a colleague's use of a racial slur to Gittins, the CEO expressed disbelief that the individual in question would use such language. This employee claimed that following his complaint, he faced reduced work opportunities and was eventually dismissed for poor performance.
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