Two folks at KPMG in New Zealand are suspected to have been victims of drink-spiking at separate work drinks, with the manager chair saying whoever is accountable is a “grubby little coward”.
Stuff has obtained a leaked e mail from Matt Pritchard, Executive Chair of KPMG in New Zealand, who begins by saying “this email is not something I ever expected to have to write”.
“Distressingly, last Friday at our monthly Auckland Partners’ shout, one of our people was a victim of drink-spiking.”
Pritchard goes on to say the state of affairs was recognized and acted on rapidly and one of many companions drove the sufferer dwelling.
However, he additionally stated there had been an analogous incident final month which was of “critical concern”.
“While the location of the incident was not certain, it was likely to have also been at our premises.”
KPMG is without doubt one of the greatest international corporations, which offers audit, tax and advisory companies.
After the primary incident, KPMG added a safety guard at Friday’s drinks, along with the three accountable companions on obligation.
“We expected these measures, combined with the policies we have in place to ensure we’re responsible hosts, including ensuring one drink per person per bar visit – with no drink stacking, would be effective.
“Unfortunately, this wasn’t sufficient, and we’re reviewing our strategy to those occasions,” Pritchard’s email said.
“Each and each one in all us must really feel secure in our office.”
Pritchard said the incidents have been reported to the police.
Pritchard also said KPMG would now be installing additional cameras on the first-floor events space and was considering whether to continue hosting these types of events.
He said the main concern is for the victims and ensuring they are supported.
“It is surprising to us a member of the KPMG household would do one thing so despicable and cowardly to a different member of our household and, whereas we’re presently targeted on our affected crew members, we wish to minimise the chance of this ever occurring once more.”
The leaked email also had Pritchard calling on employees to provide any “images or video” they might have from Friday’s event.
On Wednesday evening, Pritchard confirmed the authenticity of the email.
He thought the measures and precautions KPMG had put in place after the August incident would be effective.
“Unfortunately that wasn’t sufficient,” Pritchard said.
Pritchard said he’d been open and transparent with staff to ensure employees are aware of the incidents.
The person or persons responsible have not been identified, Pritchard said, and there was now an internal investigation with the priority being the victims and “discovering the grubby little cowards who has executed this”.
When asked what Pritchard would say to those responsible, he answered “nothing well mannered”.
“I’m a mother or father of 5 younger kids, and we deal with our office like a household, I’m very offended, shocked and distressed somebody would behave this option to your work household. It’s unthinkable.”
“I hope they’re discovered and prosecuted,” he said.
Pritchard said he and KPMG would not stop until they get to the bottom of the incidents.
Stuff has approached police for comment.
Source: www.9news.com.au
