A damning report has laid bare a secret culture of bullying and harassment within the corridors of power at Westminster.
Documents obtained by The Sunday Post show dozens of House of Commons staff have had to deal with MPs being rude, threatening them or even making unwanted sexual advances.
Results of an internal staff survey show 16% of House of Commons staff have reported being bullied or harassed at work. And, of that percentage, half have complained the chief bully is an MP or a member of their staff.
The fact only around half of Westminster’s 2,000-strong workforce responded to the poll has prompted fears the toll could be much higher. Those questioned included catering staff, IT workers and tradesmen.
Last night, one employee, who did not wish to be named, said the sale of discounted alcohol in Commons’ bars and an elitist attitude among MPs had helped foster a climate of fear and intimidation.
The insider said: “Some MPs are just rude, like never saying ‘thanks’ but the real problems start when they hold parties on the terrace.
“Drink is taken and some of them get out of hand. As well as getting stroppy with staff some start trying to get a bit hands-on.
“Many are away from their families and if they are tipsy it’s almost inevitable. In the current climate you’d think they’d know better.”
Last month, the House of Commons commission effectively the management board that runs parliament introduced a new Respect Policy to get a grip on the problem and teach MPs how to behave towards staff.
Max Freedman, chairman of the Unite trade unions’ parliamentary staff branch, said: “The very people who devise legislation outlawing bullying and harassment should be held to the highest standards.
“MPs tend to come from a certain personality type. There’s an underlying culture of entitlement that some MPs rise above but some unfortunately sink below.”
The revelations have come to light on the eve of MPs returning to Westminster tomorrow.
Parliament was engulfed by claims of widespread misbehaviour earlier this year.
It was dubbed Sexminster after the trial of Tory deputy speaker Nigel Evans at which he was found not guilty of rape triggered a wave of tales of drink-fuelled impropriety by other MPs.
Members were reported to be blocking plans by Speaker John Bercow to set up a bullying hotline for fear it would be swamped with complaints.
Bercow went ahead and established the phoneline though staff complain it is hard to find the number as it was hidden away on parliament’s internal website.
A House of Commons spokesman condemned any sort of workplace harassment. He said: “Bullying and harassment in any workplace is unacceptable. Reported incidents in the House of Commons are rare but when they do occur are treated seriously.
“The House of Commons commission and management are committed to addressing each of these incidents effectively.”
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