Minorities, women staff likely harassment victims at Bank of England 

BANK of England said it investigated 25 incidents of bullying and harassment in nearly a decade.

The bank’s data for the period between June 2009 and January 2019 came in response to a freedom of information request.

The latest statement shows that women and ethnic minorities are more likely to be victims of bullying and harassment at the organisation.

The data came despite Bank of England Governor Mark Carney’s pledge to create a more inclusive culture.

Ethnic minorities constitute 19 per cent of the staff at the bank, they comprise 26 per cent of complainants about bullying or harassment.

Meanwhile, women staff make up only 45 per cent of the bank but 57 per cent of them complained about harassment.

The organisational culture of the bank has already been under scrutiny by the Treasury select committee.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff felt there was a lack of transparency in recruitment, firing and promotion decisions.

Staff surveys have shown that ethnic minority employees were more likely to highlight improper language or behaviour.

The Times collected the data under the Freedom of Information Act.

In 2017, Carney said that his bank would focus on “building a culture that values diverse ideas, encourages open debate, and empowers people at all levels to take initiative”.