Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, a company overseen by the Welsh government, has been accused of bullying its staff. North Wales Senedd Member Llyr Gruffydd has demanded a Senedd committee inquiry into the matter after six members of staff separately complained about a manager and an independent investigation sustained several complaints made against the individual in question, according to Newyddion S4C. Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales promotes Welsh lamb, beef, and pork and employs 35 people, according to its latest annual report. In 2021, the company earned around £3.5m from farmers’ red meat sales levy and an additional £2m from government grants.
Mr Gruffydd expressed concerns about allegations of bullying and the approach taken by certain board members and the chair. Since the meat promotion body is a private company limited by guarantee, the Welsh government is ultimately responsible for providing oversight. Mr Gruffydd wrote to the Welsh government’s rural affairs minister, Lesley Griffiths, stating that he had previously received private correspondence on the matter but was not satisfied. He also urged Ms Griffiths to intervene directly and insisted that he would request an inquiry by the Senedd’s Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee to uncover the facts and give assurances concerning the organization’s leadership, governance, internal processes, and ability to meet its remit.
This comes amidst a series of inquiries into Welsh organizations regarding their culture and governance, notably the Welsh Rugby Union, Welsh-language broadcaster S4C, and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, expressed his distress over rumours and allegations surrounding Hybu Cig Cymru, questioning levy-payers’ funds’ use and the risk of the group taking its eye off the ball.
Hybu Cig Cymru has said they will “take action” to deal with the case, but BBC Wales understands that employees were not informed of the resolution, some of whom felt that the matter had not been handled appropriately. The company’s chief executive, Gwyn Howells, has been absent from work since last summer, but there is no suggestion he was connected with the bullying complaints. Hybu Cig Cymru said that Mr Howells is off work due to sickness. The Welsh government said it would not comment on “arms-length bodies” staffing
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