Thursday 18 April 2019 9:04 am | Updated: Monday 03 June 2019 12:56 am

Lloyd’s of London partners with the Met to urge staff to become special constables to ‘manage difficult situations’

Insurance market Lloyd’s of London has partnered with the Metropolitan Police to encourage employees to become special constables.

The 330-year-old market – embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal – has pledged to allow staff to volunteer on the streets of London during working hours.

Chief executive John Neal hoped it would help employees gain new skills in the workplace such as “managing difficult situations” as well as keeping the City safe.

Lloyd’s unveiled plan to overhaul its workplace culture last month following reports of sexual harassment and bullying.

A Bloomberg report claimed 18 women had described an atmosphere of “near-persistent harassment” at the insurance market – one former employee said the exchange was “basically a meat market.”

The market has since revealed a package of measures focusing on making it easier for staff to lodge complaints and including an independent survey on its culture and a review or practices.

Lloyd’s said today it had signed up to the Met’s Employer Supported Policing (ESP) scheme, which grants staff paid leave to volunteer with the police for up to ten days a year.

Neal said: “It offers Lloyd’s employees the opportunity to gain new and valuable skills used both in the workplace and everyday life – such as resilience, leadership and managing difficult situations – and, at the same time, play a part in keeping London’s streets safe.”

The Met said that 17 companies had so far committed to the scheme, with 153 joining the force as a result.

Commander Dave Musker said: “I welcome the positive commitment and contribution of Lloyd’s by supporting the Employer Supported Policing Scheme.

“Their support will help to keep London safe and be an enriching and positive experience for both the individuals concerned and Lloyds."