RBS probe over ‘culture of bullying’

ROYAL Bank of Scotland has launched an investigation into bullying after a whistleblower’s claims that harassment is rife at the state-backed lender.

Staff are subjected to intimidation, threats and humiliation amid a ‘culture of bullying’, according to private emails seen by the Press Association.

The claims are linked to the Amethyst project, a review of investment and taxplanning products. It is said workers were forced to change the outcomes of cases to manipulate figures sent to the Financial Conduct Authority.

A bank source told PA: ‘There is a persistent and normally deliberate misuse of power or position to intimidate, humiliate or undermine.’

An RBS spokesman said: ‘The bank was made aware of a series of allegations in July, of which this is one, and is investigating them thoroughly.’