MP 'troubled' by harassment claims at Rock City

Asha Patel
BBC News, Nottingham
BBC The entrance of Rock City, a music venue in NottinghamBBC
Allegations made by staff include health and safety breaches and sexual harassment

A Nottingham MP said she was "deeply troubled" by allegations of sexual harassment and health and safety breaches at Rock City.

Nadia Whittome, who represents Nottingham East, shared a letter to the music venue and its operator DHP Family on Friday, saying staff had raised "serious concerns" about working conditions.

The Labour MP urged management to deal with staff members' concerns collectively, writing on behalf of the Unite union.

In a statement, DHP family said it had responded to the union and to those directly involved and was engaging with the grievance process "constructively".

Whittome said in her letter: "I have spoken to staff members at Rock City and have seen the collective grievance.

"I am deeply troubled by its contents, including allegations of serious breaches of health and safety, sexual harassment and poor conditions of employment."

She added it was her understanding DHP had "refused" a request to deal with the staff concerns collectively and that there was "no union recognition with Unite at Rock City".

The famous music venue opened in 1980 and is considered a big part of the city's cultural history.

DHP Family confirmed it had received Whittome's letter and its managing director George Akins had replied.

In its statement, the independent operator said it was built on "close relationships with the people who run [its] venues day-to-day."

It added: "Our focus remains on staying true to our values, listening carefully, and ensuring Rock City continues to be a place people are proud to work.

"We continue to invite all staff who have any issues to take up the opportunity to work with us - our door remains open.

"We've responded directly to those involved as well as to Unite and are engaging with the process constructively.

"Any suggestions that we are ignoring or dismissing what's been raised are completely untrue."

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