ITV employees have been notified of an updated policy on work relationships in the wake of Phillip Schofield’s admission of having an affair with a younger male colleague. The 61-year-old presenter resigned from the broadcaster in May after revealing an “unwise but not illegal” relationship, and was subsequently dropped by his talent agency. The updated policy defines relationships as a friendship, sexual or romantic connection, or family relative, and states that any employee who fails to declare a relationship with a colleague could face disciplinary action, including termination of work.
According to the document, relationships can take many forms, including friendship, sexual or romantic connection, or family relative. The policy also outlines measures to ensure that whistle-blowers are protected from reprisal or victimization and that any form of harassment or discrimination is treated as a serious disciplinary matter. ITV’s chief executive, Dame Carolyn McCall, announced that an external review of how the company handled the affair would be conducted by Jane Mulcahy KC of Blackstone Chambers, following Schofield’s resignation.
Phillip Schofield (Via Phillip Schofield/Twitter)
Schofield’s co-host, Holly Willoughby, left This Morning after 14 years, citing the need to prioritize her own well-being and that of her family. Willoughby had expressed her shock and disappointment about Schofield’s affair on the program in June, saying it had left her “shaken, troubled, let down, and worried”. The updated policy comes at a time when the British media is grappling with a growing culture of sexual misconduct and harassment, and Schofield’s admission has sparked a wider conversation about the implications of power imbalances and expected behavior in the workplace.
As ITV navigates the fallout from Schofield’s affair, the updated policy aims to ensure that employees feel comfortable reporting any relationship concerns and that appropriate disciplinary action is taken. The policy change is a step towards creating a safer and more respectful work environment, where employees feel empowered to speak up about any inappropriate behavior. The scandal has highlighted the need for transparent and robust policies to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. ITV’s decision to update its policy on work relationships demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing employee well-being and ensuring a professional workplace environment.
