The UK boss of KPMG will step aside while the accounting giant investigates offensive comments he allegedly made during an online meeting with staff.
Bill Michael, who was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 last year, reportedly told about 500 financial services staff on Monday that they should "stop moaning" about the pandemic and stop "playing the victim card".
He apologised at the end of the meeting and in an all-staff email but KPMG confirmed that an investigation into the alleged remarks had begun.
"Mr Michael has decided to step aside from his duties as chair while the investigation is underway," a spokeswoman said.
"We take this matter very seriously and will not comment further while the investigation is ongoing."
Mr Michael’s decision to step aside came as staff members alleged he made further offensive comments during the same meeting.
The remarks provoked fury from KPMG staff who reportedly took to an app used to post anonymous comments in the meeting.
One employee said Mr Michael should “check his privilege” and “do your research” before commenting on the issue.
Other participants took issue with Mr Michael talking about meeting clients for coffee during lockdowns.
“He literally said, ‘I know I’m breaking the law’ to meet up with people during the pandemic,” one said.
Mr Michael’s comments were particularly badly received after a staff poll at the beginning of the meeting which showed the majority of consultants were struggling to cope during the pandemic.
Staff were allegedly angry that he had dismissed concerns about potential cuts to staff bonuses, pay and pensions.
“People are struggling with serious mental health issues and having our leadership tell us to shut up and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps is heartbreaking,” wrote another employee.
Mr Michael apologised on Tuesday, saying the remarks did not reflect his beliefs.
"I am sorry for the words I used, which did not reflect what I believe in, and I have apologised to my colleagues,” he said.
"Looking after the wellbeing of our people and creating a culture where everyone can thrive is of critical importance to me and is at the heart of everything we do as a firm."
