This Morning stung with accusations of ‘toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harassment’-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

‘We have been contacted by a large number of individuals,’ the parliamentary committee chair said (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

A significant number of people who previously and currently work for ITV’s This Morning have made claims of ‘toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harassment’ to Parliament, it’s emerged.

In June this year, the chief executive of the broadcaster Dame Carolyn McCall, managing director Kevin Lygo and general counsel and company secretary Kyla Mullins were questioned by MPs following Phillip Schofield’s exit from the programme.

They were also asked questions regarding allegations of a toxic culture on the show.

On Wednesday August 9, correspondence was published from Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, to Dame Carolyn, PA News reported.

It read: ‘In the month that has passed since your appearance before the committee, we have been contacted by a large number of individuals who have identified themselves as currently working or previously having worked on This Morning or as part of the wider ITV Daytime team.

‘These individuals speak with great pride about working at ITV and are hugely positive about many of their colleagues. However, they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harassment.

‘Your letter of June 15 encourages individuals to raise their concerns through internal or external routes, and we will make individuals aware of those options. However, some of those individuals who have contacted us have described how their decision to raise concerns within ITV has led to further bullying and discrimination, and in some cases having to leave the organisation with a settlement agreement.

‘It is easy to understand why those individuals, especially where they have left ITV and do not wish to relive their traumatic experiences, do not feel capable of attempting to report their concerns, or that ITV will take them seriously.’

In response to the claims of past and present This Morning employees coming forward, Dame Carolyn wrote in a letter to the committee chair: ‘You also say that others have come forward to you about their experience at ITV but do not feel capable of attempting to report their concerns, or that ITV will take them seriously.

‘Having taken the step to bring matters to your attention, in line with my letter to you the day after the hearing, I would ask you to continue to encourage individuals to contact ITV via our reporting line SafeCall, through which reports can be made confidentially or anonymously. Alternatively, individuals may wish to contact Jane Mulcahy KC directly.

‘As we made clear to you and the Committee, we are absolutely committed to enabling people to raise any issues or complaints they may have about working at ITV. We always take these seriously and will investigate and take whatever action is appropriate. However, we are unable to do so if we cannot engage with those people.’

More to follow.

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