Money

Lloyd’s of London to ban drunk staff from entering building



Insurance market Lloyd’s of London will ban staff from entering its offices if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as it tries to deal with claims of widespread sexual harassment.

The 333-year-old institution, based in an iconic Lord Rogers-designed building in the heart of the City, said around half of reported incidents of unacceptable behaviour had involved alcohol.

Lloyd’s is also expected to replace a pub in its building with a cafe, and open up a harassment and bullying helpline for staff.

Lloyd’s is the centre of London’s insurance market, home to 50 leading insurers and over 200 brokers.

It has been rocked by allegations of sexist behaviour and “near-persistent harassment” prompting an overhaul of its code of conduct.

Gwen Rhys, founder of Women in the City which promotes female talent in financial services, said issues with the culture at Lloyd’s were deeply embedded and that banning drunk people from the building would not fix this.

“I honestly thought the era of substance-fuelled working days was over and I’m surprised to discover that staff are entering the building ‘under the influence’,” Ms Rhys said.

Women working in the City still “frequently report workplace sexism”, she said.

“What’s more, it isn’t always physical harassment, it’s the constant undermining of women’s abilities, status and potential through words as well as actions that really gnaws at women and maintains the City’s ‘boys’ club’ image. 

“Lloyd’s new code is a first step in acknowledging that harassment can no longer be swept under the carpet. 

“If the sector is to be open to men and women equally, then women’s experiences of harassment, however petty they may seem to men, must be taken seriously.”

A workday booze ban was implemented for staff employed directly for Lloyd’s two years ago but the new rules will apply to people employed by the brokers and insurers who work in the market.

Following an investigation last month by Bloomberg into harassment and sexism at Lloyd’s, a plan of action was announced, including potential lifetime bans for employees found to have behaved unacceptably.

Lloyd’s chief executive, John Neal, said: “It has been distressing to hear about the experiences of women in the Lloyd’s market. 

“No one should be subjected to this sort of behaviour, and if it does happen, everyone has the right to be heard and for those responsible to be held to account. 

“I am pleased that the market has given its full support for a strong set of actions, and I am determined that Lloyd’s offers a safe and inclusive working environment for everyone.”



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