Declare all relationships or risk losing your job, British broadcaster tells staff after TV presenter’s admission

Staff at British private broadcaster ITV have been told they must declare their sexual, romantic and, if necessary, platonic relationships or risk losing their jobs.

The new policy follows the departure of one of its most prominent presenters, Phillip Schofield, who delivered the talk This morning with Holly Willoughby – and his admission that he had a secret affair with a younger male employee and lied about it to his bosses at the station.

The times The newspaper reports that the station has issued a “Personal Relationships in the Workplace Policy” for all employees. Relationships are defined as: “a close connection such as a life partner or significant other”, “a person living in the same household” and “any person involved in a sexual, romantic or close relationship or friendship (both short and long-term). long-term) long-term). “Employees must fill out a Google Forms questionnaire.

Employees are told: “If there is a personal relationship between you and another colleague (whether it began before or during your employment or assignment at ITV), both parties must disclose this to the company as soon as possible.” This includes relationships with freelancers, consultants, contractors, trainees, temporary workers, volunteers and people with professional experience.

Anyone who violates the policy will face disciplinary action and loss of employment. The document encourages whistleblowers to speak up and promises that their identities will be kept confidential if any concerns are worthy of investigation. It also says: “Any form of harassment or retaliation against anyone who has raised a concern will not be tolerated and will be treated as serious disciplinary action in itself.”

The times cites broadcaster insiders describing the new rules as “pretty crazy” and “a step too far”.

Following Schofield’s arrival and departure in May this year, ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall fielded questions from MPs about the channel’s culture. She said she became aware of rumors about the relationship in 2020, but Schofield categorically denied them. WHERE.