Pricewaterhouse Coopers' apprentices will not sue over sexist emails

The five men suspended by top accountancy firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) in their Dublin branch were due to return to work today (Tuesday, November 16) to learn the fate of their jobs.

Last week it came to light that the firm in Dublin had launched an internal investigation after it was discovered male staff were circulating emails where they rated the looks of their female colleagues.

The investigation was prompted after pictures of a new female employee were sent around and nominated for a “Top 10”.

The original circular was sent among 17 male staff members before been forwarded to other businesses.

It included the names and pictures of 13 junior female employees who had recently joined the accountancy firm as trainee accountants.

The accountancy firm which employs 2,000 people in Ireland, launched an investigation immediately after they were informed of the matter.

"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and are launching a full investigation. We will take all necessary steps and actions in line with our firms polices and procedures," PWC's human resources partner Carmel O'Connor said last week.

The 13 women, who were trainees up to last Friday are not going to pursue legal action against the males in question responsible for the rating system.

It is believed last week that they may file sexual harassment charges against those involved but it is being reported that the apprentices are more interested in getting their careers off the ground and focusing on their new jobs.

"They are most upset by the news-papers printing their pictures.

"They started work today [Friday] but have been in the office for the past three weeks training.

"The email was unacceptable and childish but no one in here thinks it should be a sackable offence," a source within PwC told the Sunday Tribune.

"It happens in here every year.

"But it also happens at all the other big accountancy firms and solicitors firms both in Ireland and abroad.

"It is horrible for the women but everyone thinks it has been blown out of proportion," said the source.

A senior partner with the firm in Ireland, Ronan Murphy, sent out an email to Irish clients and alumni stating that the company was taking the matter "extremely seriously."