(CMR) Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson said allegations that civil servants are restricted in reporting wrongdoings due to their employment contracts are not true. CMR reported recently that some women involved in an alleged sexual harassment case at the Ritz Carlton believed that their employment contracts prevented them from reporting the matter to the authorities.
In a statement from the Deputy Governor's Office on Friday, Mr. Manderson said he was aware of recent media reports concerning allegations of assault by a Member of Parliament against female civil servants who were attending an official event on 13 September.
“I am also aware of media conversations that have suggested that civil servant employment contracts restrict the ability of civil servants to report matters to the police or other official reporting bodies, which is incorrect. Our workplace rules both allow and encourage the reporting of wrongdoing,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He further stated, “As Head of the Civil Service, I wish to make it clear that we are committed to ensuring the safety of our employees and protecting their rights, including their right to report wrongdoing. The Civil Service has zero tolerance for misconduct.”
Mr. Manderson said the allegations of the assault on 13 September are under investigation by the police, and as a result, he cannot comment further on the matter at this time.
“I will continue to exercise duty of care for all civil servants and will not abrogate my responsibility to provide a safe work environment where they feel cared for, protected and comfortable giving feedback, including to senior leaders,” he added.
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