HM Treasury 'failed in its duty of care' to our daughter, say grieving family of star employee driven to suicide 'by office gossip'

HM Treasury has been accused of failing in its duty of care toward Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old personal assistant whose suicide in May last year was linked to an anonymous workplace complaint. The grieving parents of Moffat, who described her as a “bright, caring and talented young woman,” claimed that the government department did not provide adequate support or reassurance during a critical moment in her professional life. Moffat was called into a meeting with senior staff on May 19 last year, where she was confronted with an anonymous allegation that she had shared confidential information about colleagues. She denied the claims, calling them “vexatious” and nothing more than “office gossip.” According to the coroner’s ruling, the Treasury’s handling of the situation significantly contributed to Moffat’s death. The coroner found that HM Treasury had not followed proper HR procedures and had not adequately reassured Moffat that she was unlikely to face termination, despite the nature of the allegations. During the meeting, Moffat was informed of the allegations and questioned whether she would lose her job. Her line manager, Kim Aldrich, and the head of global issues, Liz Farmer, attended the session. Moffat requested that her best friend be present, but the request was deemed inappropriate. When she asked about the possible consequences, the more senior manager could not provide clarity, leaving her in a state of uncertainty and fear. Following the meeting, Moffat was temporarily restricted from accessing her director’s email inbox and diary. She was also instructed not to discuss the allegations with colleagues. These actions, according to the coroner, exacerbated her anxiety and isolation. The coroner noted that even if the allegations were true, the likely consequence would have been a written warning rather than dismissal. However, Moffat was not given this assurance, leading her to believe her career and reputation were at risk. Moffat’s parents expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and support within the Treasury. They highlighted that their daughter had no prior history of mental health issues and that the distress she experienced was directly tied to the treatment she received in the workplace. They emphasized that at a time when she needed support, reassurance, and fair treatment, she was instead left frightened and isolated. The coroner, Anna Crawford, concluded that Moffat’s fear of losing her job likely played a role in her decision to take her own life. The ruling underscored the need for improved communication and empathy within organizations, particularly when dealing with sensitive allegations and potential disciplinary action. Moffat’s parents also voiced concerns about the reluctance of her colleagues and friends to speak openly about her death. They argued that this silence reinforced the need for a culture of greater openness, accountability, and learning when mistakes occur. They stressed that Chloe was a conscientious, dedicated, and hardworking employee who deserved better treatment from her employer. The incident has sparked discussions about workplace practices and the importance of psychological safety in professional environments. As the case continues to unfold, attention will focus on whether changes will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The families of affected employees and advocates for mental health awareness are watching closely, hoping for meaningful reforms in corporate and governmental workplaces.