Coroner Rules Treasury's Disciplinary Handling Contributed to Staff Suicide
Published on 08/10/2026 at 17:57 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
An inquest has found that HM Treasury's failure to follow its own disciplinary procedures played a significant role in the death of a 26-year-old employee. The ruling carries important lessons for UK employers about how internal investigations should be communicated to staff.
Failure to Follow Disciplinary Policy
Coroner Anna Crawford concluded that the Treasury materially contributed to the suicide of Chloe Moffat, who died on May 20, 2025. The inquest heard that the department failed to apply its established disciplinary policy during an investigation into an anonymous complaint against Moffat, who was described during proceedings as a star employee.
A central finding was that the Treasury did not tell Moffat she was unlikely to lose her job. Evidence presented to the inquest indicated the most probable outcome of the complaint would have been a written warning rather than dismissal — but this information was never communicated to her.
The case underscores how unclear internal processes can compound stress for employees under investigation. For employers looking to strengthen their own procedures, a free toolkit offers 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists for documenting workplace risk management. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Coroner to Issue Prevention of Future Deaths Report
Coroner Crawford said the department's lack of transparency about the likely penalty contributed to the mental distress Moffat experienced. She has announced plans to submit a prevention of future deaths report, which aims to prompt changes in how the civil service handles internal investigations and employee communications.
Moffat's family has called for significant reforms to workplace disciplinary procedures. They have urged departments to prioritise the mental well-being of staff undergoing investigations, particularly where the potential sanctions do not involve dismissal.
Broader Implications for Workplace Mental Health
The ruling comes amid wider debate over psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Mental health disorders affect around 15% of working-age adults globally, with depression and anxiety accounting for an estimated 12 billion lost workdays each year.
When workplace procedures aren't clear, employees can feel exposed and uncertain. A free Health & Safety toolkit provides practical checklists and risk assessments covering key UK regulations, helping you create a more transparent and supportive environment. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
The findings arrive as other government agencies face scrutiny over employee relations. In the US, the Office of Personnel Management is preparing to take over various federal employee appeals from early September, amid significant staffing reductions and changes to employees' categorical rights to hearings.
HM Treasury has acknowledged the inquest's findings. The case has renewed calls for employers to carry out more frequent psychosocial assessments and to handle disciplinary processes with greater clarity to protect employee health.
