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Tory MPs to get code of conduct after sexual harassment claims Tory MPs get code of conduct after sex harassment claims
(about 1 hour later)
A code of conduct is to be handed to Conservative MPs setting out how they should treat their office staff, a party spokesman has said. A code of conduct has been emailed to all Conservative MPs and their staff setting out how they should behave in the office.
The voluntary code was "a basic statement of what should be best practice in the workplace" for Tory MPs and their staff, the spokesman said. It sets out "best practice" and a grievance procedure - but it is up to individual MPs whether or not they adopt it.
Party officials are also keen to raise awareness of grievance procedures. A Conservative source confirmed that the code would be voluntary.
It follows a Channel 4 News report identifying a "climate of sexual harassment" in Parliament.It follows a Channel 4 News report identifying a "climate of sexual harassment" in Parliament.
Channel 4 News said it had interviewed 70 people from "all political parties and sexual orientations", and found that incidents of sexual harassment and abuse of power in Parliament were commonplace.Channel 4 News said it had interviewed 70 people from "all political parties and sexual orientations", and found that incidents of sexual harassment and abuse of power in Parliament were commonplace.
Young men were more likely to be sexually harassed than women, it concluded.Young men were more likely to be sexually harassed than women, it concluded.
'Three stage process'
A Conservative spokesman said: "The code of conduct acts as a basic statement of what should be best practice in the workplace for Conservative members and their staff.
"It explains the rights and responsibilities which are expected of both the employer and the employee.
"The grievance procedure is available for staff to use if a grievance arises with their MP as employer.
"It protects both parties involved, brings with it consistency and fairness, and in doing so upholds the reputation of the Party and of Parliament.
"It is based upon a three stage process of mediation, grievance hearing and appeal.
"The process conforms to relevant employment law, ACAS guidance and HR best practice and is added as a schedule to the contract of employment."
'Self-employed'
In a statement, Commons Speaker John Bercow said bullying and harassment in the workplace was "completely unacceptable" and that he would now look into whether procedures in Parliament were in need of reform.In a statement, Commons Speaker John Bercow said bullying and harassment in the workplace was "completely unacceptable" and that he would now look into whether procedures in Parliament were in need of reform.
"People are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect as they carry out their work," he said."People are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect as they carry out their work," he said.
"The experience of working in Parliament for an MP should be positive and fulfilling. Time and again, people have told me how fortunate they feel to work here."The experience of working in Parliament for an MP should be positive and fulfilling. Time and again, people have told me how fortunate they feel to work here.
"That said, having learned for the first time this afternoon of these allegations, I will consider if there are lessons for the House of Commons to learn or procedures to be reformed."That said, having learned for the first time this afternoon of these allegations, I will consider if there are lessons for the House of Commons to learn or procedures to be reformed.
"MPs are self-employed and employ their staff directly. The House, therefore, is limited in its ability to intervene in cases in which allegations of bullying or harassment by MPs of their staff are concerned. These cases are clearly a matter for the political parties.""MPs are self-employed and employ their staff directly. The House, therefore, is limited in its ability to intervene in cases in which allegations of bullying or harassment by MPs of their staff are concerned. These cases are clearly a matter for the political parties."