Savills has suspended a member of staff as it investigates a racist social media post.
The tweet, since deleted, was posted after England’s defeat in yesterday’s Euro 2020 final and used a racial slur to attack players.
It has been widely shared on social media along with a screen shot of a Savills commercial building manager’s LinkedIn profile using the same name. Both the original Twitter account and LinkedIn profile have now been deleted.
In its own tweet, Savills said: “Savills is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. A full investigation will be carried out in regards to this unacceptable incident.”
It added in a separate post: “Savills abhors and has zero tolerance to any form of racism and racial discrimination and is appalled by the racist comments in these tweets. Savills is immediately investigating and will take appropriate action.”
Savills abhors and has zero tolerance to any form of racism and racial discrimination and is appalled by the racist comments in these tweets. Savills is immediately investigating and will take appropriate action
— Savills (@Savills) July 12, 2021
The agency has since issued a third statement, saying: “Savills confirms that the staff member connected with the racist comments placed on Twitter claims that his account was taken over by a third party and that the matter is being referred to the Greater Manchester Police. Savills has acted swiftly and confirms that the individual is suspended from duty pending the findings of this investigation, which is being progressed as a priority.”
Savills’ first two tweets drew thousands of replies and retweets, adding to a wave of social media reaction to the original post and its handling.
Labour MP David Lammy was among those who commended the agency’s swift response, tweeting: “Good. Thank you.” He had previously shared a screenshot of the original racist tweet, noting: “This is why we take the knee.”
Appear Here founder Ross Bailey said he hopes Savills will “make it clear the appropriate action is [the employee] will not have a job and will be reported to the police”.
The event will bring back into the spotlight the issue of discrimination in the real estate sector. In an EG survey last year, 71% of people from BAME backgrounds said racism was a problem in property, and 85% said not enough is being done to address it.
Sherin Aminossehe, director of infrastructure at the Ministry of Defence, said the behaviour of the original tweet’s author was “never acceptable”.
“Every individual that a company employs is a reflection of their values,” added Darryll Colthrust, a real estate technology professional. “Each company needs to take a careful look in the mirror.”
Companies and individuals that apparently work with Savills have also expressed disappointment. Uxbridge-based developer IMA Industries tweeted: “Until further notice IMA and any associated group subsidiary will cease to do business with Savills.”
Another tweet, from Michael Steel, said: “You are my agents for a building purchase in Southampton. If you employ and tolerate racist behaviour, I will be cancelling all ties with immediate effect.”
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