An employee at auditing giant PwC is suing the company after he suffered a serious head injury during a work event during an alleged drinking game called “pub golf” involving what has been described as “excessive” amounts of alcohol.
Michael Brockie has instructed a personal injury claim against the business, where it has been revealed that partners now earn an average of £1 million a year, that alleges the company owed him a duty of care when he attended the event in April 2019. The event had been had been organised by a PwC manager in its Reading office, according to the legal claim.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Brockie said staff had been actively encouraged to attend the social evening, that involved visiting nine bars or nightclubs, with each venue representing a course “hole” with different designated alcoholic drinks.
The action alleges that PwC employees were faced with a challenge to down each drink in as few mouthfuls as possible to get the lowest “score”.
PwC said: “We are unable to comment on the specifics of a matter that is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
“As a responsible employer we are committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive culture for all of our people. We also expect anyone attending social events to be responsible and to ensure their own safety and that of others.”
Last week it was revealed that UK partners at the consulting firm were paid an average of more than £1 million for the first time last year.
The group also said its consulting revenues were up by a third reflecting “exceptional clients demands to challenges and opportunities on multiple fronts”.
Group profits grew 24% to £1.4 billion in the year to the end of June and profit per partner averaged £920,000, up 12%.