“Extreme but necessary.”

Those were the words used by CEO John Neal to describe Lloyd’s of London’s actions on the back of allegations over drunken and inappropriate behaviour. The world’s oldest insurance market has taken the step to suspend one of its members amid increased scrutiny of allegations of bullying and sexual harassment.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Neal remarked on a “couple of incidents where we have taken action and forced a suspension”. He outlined that one was in regards to alcohol use, and involved a member making inappropriate remarks while on a business trip – that member was suspended for a month.

Now reports suggest a second member will be suspended in connection to an internal email at firm Guy Carpenter which remarked that a female colleague “enjoys a glazed ring” in a ‘joking’ reference to doughnuts.

Lloyd’s has established a “helpline” allowing members to raise concerns.