The message, sent by staff at an Irish branch of accountancy giant PricewaterhouseCoopers, included 13 images of first-year accountancy trainees who had just joined.
The subject field of the email said: “This would be my shortlist for the top 10.” It was initially sent to a group of men inside the company, but quickly spread worldwide on the internet after being forwarded to employees at other companies.”
PwC has not revealed whether the male staff responsible will be suspended or sacked, but said it was treating the investigation “extremely seriously”. A spokesman added: “We are taking all the necessary steps and actions in accordance with our firm’s policies and procedures.
“Our main concern is the impact of this matter on the women who were the subject of these emails.” Trainees are expected to remain with the company for up to three-and-a-half years.
Published 12 November 2010, 16:07 IST