Report: Staff sexually harassed and bullied

COMMONS staff suffer “unacceptable” bullying and sexual harassment but fear speaking out, a report claims.

An independent inquiry said workers have “breasts grabbed, buttocks slapped, thighs stroked and crotches pressed/ rubbed against bodies”.

One staff member told the report, by Gemma White QC, their time working for an MP was “the most stressful and hostile period” of their life, adding: “My entire sense of self was crushed.” Another said: “As long as getting political jobs are dependent on who you know and who you’re related to, sexual harassment will be a necessary evil for ambitious young people like me who will choose our careers over our comfort every time.”

Staff who complain risk “career suicide”, despite recent changes to the system in the wake of the #MeToo movement and “Pestminster” scandals.

While the report said “most MPs treat staff with dignity and respect”, it described the problem of bullying and harassment as “sufficiently widespread to require an urgent collective response”.

It concludes that there must be a “fundamental shift” away from regarding MPs as “650 small businesses” with nearcomplete freedom to operate. Some 220 people gave evidence PROBE Report was by Gemma White, QC with the most common complaint being that MPs would “demean, belittle and humiliate staff, often in public”. Shadow Leader of the House Valerie Vaz said the findings were “shocking and totally unacceptable”. She added: “More must be done to ensure the culture is one where those with complaints feel supported and able to challenge those in a position of power and authority.”

Launching her report, Ms White said: “Workplace harassment and bullying by MPs towards staff has been tolerated and accepted for too long. It has affected the health and welfare of far too many people.”

The House of Commons Commission said: “We thank Gemma White QC for her report and will look urgently at the recommendations.

“We condemn bullying and harassment of MPs’ staff.”