Big Four firm claims it is not liable for alleged sexual assault
A Big Four consulting firm has reportedly claimed it is not liable to an employee who has sued them following allegations she was raped by a colleague after work drinks last year.
The woman is suing PwC for damages under workplace laws for an alleged sexual assault claimed to have occurred after staff left the firm’s Sydney offices in August 2023.
According to The Australian, PwC has claimed the woman did not work directly for the alleged perpetrator, and that the firm would not be liable for harm caused to the employee because he had taken sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace training.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.PwC said her alcohol intake and the alleged conduct could not be connected to her status as a worker, The Australian has reported.
The lawsuit alleges multiple breaches of the Fair Work Act and claims the male colleague was involved in several previous work-related incidents in the lead-up to the alleged sexual assault at her home.
The alleged sexual assault occurred after staff left PwC’s Sydney offices before attending bars, including PJ O’Brien’s in the CBD.
NSW police have not laid any charges over the alleged conduct of the male employee.
It comes after some PwC partners were sent an anonymous letter in 2018 outlining alleged partner conduct, which included sexual harassment.
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