The sale and subsequent collapse of BHS and the revelations
about the pension fund shortfall have focused attention on
corporate governance. Trust in business remains low and here we
have a case where, once again, it appears from press reports that
the wealthy few have got wealthier and 11,000 workers and 22,000
pensioners are left in the lurch.
Frank Field MP, Chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee, has
been outspoken in his condemnation of Sir Philip Green, but in
truth much of the evidence with which the committees had to deal
was contradictory. As the report concludes, 'The evidence we
have received over the course of this inquiry has at times
resembled a circular firing squad. Witnesses appeared to harbour
the misconception that they could be absolved from responsibility
by blaming others.'
