‘We fear lessons will not be learned’: Chloe Moffat’s parents on their fight to hold Treasury to account

In a harrowing case that has sparked national debate over workplace conduct and corporate accountability, the parents of Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old personal assistant at the UK Treasury, have revealed that a coroner has determined the government department played a material role in her death. The ruling came after a lengthy inquest into the tragic circumstances surrounding Chloe's suicide last May. Her parents, David and Anne Moffat, expressed both relief and frustration, stating they feared the lessons from their daughter's death would not be properly heeded. Chloe Moffat had appeared happy and content before her death. On the day she died, she was described by her father as "happy as Larry" after a weekend she called a "10 out of 10." She was excited about plans to travel with her sister, Alice, and had arranged for friends to attend a dinner party the following weekend. According to David Moffat, Chloe was living "the best life," enjoying her work and social circle. However, that afternoon, Chloe was summoned for a surprise disciplinary meeting with her manager and his superior. This meeting, which the coroner later deemed distressing, left Chloe feeling that she was facing potential dismissal. The following morning, Chloe was found dead in her home. Her parents initially struggled to understand the reasons behind their daughter's decision. They questioned whether criminal activity, fraud, drug use, or financial issues might have played a role. As they delved deeper into the circumstances, they found no evidence supporting these theories. Instead, they uncovered that Chloe had been mistreated by her employer during a critical moment. Speaking from their home in the French Alps, where they reside close to their daughter Alice, the Moffats detailed how their investigation led them to the conclusion that Chloe's death was directly linked to her treatment at the Treasury. They emphasized that the coroner's findings painted a narrative that placed partial responsibility on the Treasury for Chloe's death. Despite the coroner's ruling, the Moffats have yet to receive any communication from the Treasury expressing condolences or offering an apology. David Moffat noted that he expected some form of outreach from the department, especially given the coroner's determination of their involvement in Chloe's death. Chloe was described as cheerful, popular, and dedicated to her work. Her father, David, mentioned that Chloe was always eager to serve others, while her mother, Anne, highlighted that individuals like Chloe, bright, confident, and perfectionistic, are particularly vulnerable when faced with shocking news, such as the possibility of losing their jobs. Chloe was blindsided by anonymous complaints suggesting she had shared confidential information at work, a claim she vehemently denied. Despite this, she was not assured that her position was secure or offered any support during the disciplinary meeting. The coroner found that Chloe was denied her rights, including being informed of the likely outcome of the disciplinary process, a written warning, and the opportunity to have a supporter present. David Moffat explained that if Chloe had known her rights, she might have refused the meeting altogether. However, as a people pleaser, she did not challenge the situation, believing she had no choice but to comply. Anne Moffat expressed uncertainty regarding the nature of the original complaints against Chloe, questioning whether they were malicious or based on misunderstandings. Regardless, the family believes that the handling of Chloe's case by the Treasury was inappropriate and contributed significantly to her despair. The Moffats continue to advocate for changes in workplace practices to prevent similar tragedies. Their efforts highlight the need for greater transparency and support within organizations, ensuring employees are treated fairly and with respect. As they reflect on their daughter's life, they remain committed to ensuring that her story leads to meaningful reform.