On 5 March 2024 the House of Commons Treasury Committee published its ‘Sexism in the City’ report, examining the gender inequality that pervades the financial services industry in the UK. This followed its ‘Women in finance’ report in June 2018, which expressed concern about a lack of gender diversity in financial services and made a number of recommendations. The latest report has found that ‘many of the barriers identified in 2018 remain stubbornly in place’. The committee continues to be concerned that the gender pay gap in financial services remains the largest in any sector in the UK economy; that many firms still treat diversity and inclusion as a ‘tick box’ exercise rather than a core business priority; and that maternity remains a significant barrier to progress for women in financial services.
Sexual misconduct, harassment & bullying
However, one area that was not examined in 2018 and rightly received substantial consideration in the 2024 report is sexual misconduct, harassment and bullying in the workplace.
