The
Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has suspended its investigation into
alleged widespread sexual harassment at the Royal Mail after the company agreed
to implement a three-year plan to stamp out the problem.
As
part of the plan the Royal Mail has introduced a new harassment complaints
procedure, set up a bullying helpline and hired 22 independent investigators to
deal with all forms of harassment.
The
suspension of the EOC investigation is conditional on the organisation fulfilling
the conditions of the programme, which could be extended to five years.
The
Royal Mail will also be required to report progress to the EOC on a quarterly
basis with an independent review of the scheme taking place every year.
Satya
Kartara, the director of diversity and inclusion at the Royal Mail admitted
there was a problem but said that work to resolve the issues had begun.
"We
recognise that there have been problems with the way people are treated. We
employ 220,000 people across the business and the way people treat each other
can be improved.
"We
have started work to change this culture and demonstrate a real commitment to
the people issues within Royal Mail and have made great strides this
year."
As
part if the plan Royal Mail has agreed to:
•
regularly update staff, managers and the Royal Mail board on sexual harassment
issues, the help available, and the Royal Mail’s determination to stamp it out
•
start monthly and quarterly monitoring of all formal complaints of sexual
harassment and all employment tribunal cases of sexual harassment, to determine
what lessons need to be learned
•
use an external independent reviewer to review its progress in this area and
provide advice and assistance where necessary
•
implement an extensive training programme for all employees, management and the
Royal Mail board.
