Former employees of fast fashion retailer Missy Empire claim they were told the company had no human resources function when they complained about a toxic work culture.
Eighteen former employees have filed complaints detailing their experiences with bullying, abusive language, and degrading comments while working for the company. guardian It was reported last week (February 9th).
The allegations include staff members being yelled at and sworn at, and being asked to model clothes for a managing director who made degrading comments about the model’s body type and appearance.
Former employees also claimed to have found what appeared to be a voice recorder in an employee’s kitchen.
The former employees claim that when they detailed the abuse to an employee relations director, they were told the company had no human resources function.
He also said that the human resources email address was monitored by the company’s co-founder and director, Ish Siddique, and that there was no place for complaints.
read more: How to identify whistleblowing and protected disclosures
Ian Moore, managing director of HR consultancy Lodge Court, said: Human Resources Department The magazine says these allegations highlight the role human resources departments play in preventing toxic work environments.
“If HR departments do everything in their power to be proactive, they can help improve this by fostering an open and respectful atmosphere, enforcing company policies, and providing employees with the support they need.” This can prevent the occurrence and spread of serious problems.”
“We can also provide clear and easily accessible guidelines on how to report abuse.”
He continued that HR is as important to employers as employees.
“We are pleased that the employees at Missy Empire have taken the courageous step of speaking out, and we hope that other employers who do not treat their employees with respect will take notice.”
Andrew Pepper-Person, director of whistleblowing policy at charity Protect, said: Human Resources Department The magazine argues that all organizations should have whistleblower reporting channels in place to prevent medical errors.
read more: Human resources concerns account for the majority of whistleblower reports
“It is important to provide multiple reporting methods whenever possible, including voicemail, email, and in-person meetings, to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of individuals who wish to raise concerns,” he said. I commented.
Larger organizations may choose to set up a dedicated external hotline so that concerns can be addressed by an independent body, he noted.
He added: “In some cases, hotlines also have the added benefit of guaranteeing anonymity for whistleblowers, which may be most appropriate where there is a culture of fear of voicing concerns. I can’t do it,” he added.
“Smaller organizations may not be able to use such channels. However, a confidential email address and a designated senior manager, director or trustee may be an alternative and effective option for raising concerns. is.”
Missy Empire was acquired by JD Sports in June 2021. guardian For 18 months, Missy Empire was responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, including human resources procedures, even though she was the majority stakeholder.
JD Sports sold the company to Frasers Group in 2022, but Frasers Group did not respond. guardianThis is a comment request from .
Human Resources Department The magazine has contacted Frasers Group for comment.