ITV Update Work Relationships Policy Following Phillip Schofield Scandal

Employees at ITV have been told that the broadcaster's policy on work relationships has been updated, months after the Philip Schofield scandal.

The former This Morning presenter resigned from ITV back in May, after admitting to having having an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger male colleague, while he hosted the show. He was also dropped by his talent agency.

Following the revelation regarding the affair, ITV Chief Executive Dame Carolyn McCall said that an external review of how the affair was handled would take place, led by Jane Mulcahy KC of Blackstone Chambers. 

ITV employees including consultants, freelancers, and those on work experience have since been reportedly informed that should they fail to declare a relationship, they may face disciplinary action, which could lead to a termination of their employment.

A document states the following, “If a personal relationship exists between you and another colleague (whether it started prior to or during the course of your employment or engagement with ITV), both parties must disclose this to the company at the earliest opportunity". 

ITV have reportedly defined a relationship as a friendship, sexual or romantic connection, or a family relative.

 “ITV has had in place a policy on relationships at work since October 2022. Like all of our people policies we keep them under review and update them periodically", a spokesperson for the broadcaster has said. “The relationships at work policy was most recently reviewed and updated in October 2023". 

Whistle-blowers have also been advised to raise concerns against, “Any form of reprisal or victimisation against anyone who has raised a concern will not be tolerated and will itself be treated as a serious disciplinary matter". 

Months after Schofield's departure, his former co-presenter Holly Willoughby announced that she would be leaving the show, after a man had been charged with soliciting to kidnap and murder the TV star. 

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