The tragic death of a young Treasury employee has prompted renewed calls for changes to workplace disciplinary procedures in the United Kingdom, as her family argues that better support could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Chloe Moffat, 26, died by suicide in May 2025, just one day after attending a disciplinary meeting at His Majesty’s Treasury. Her death has since become the focus of an inquest and a campaign led by her mother to improve the way employers handle staff facing disciplinary action.
According to evidence presented at Surrey Coroners’ Court, Moffat had worked as a personal assistant at HM Treasury for nearly three years. Colleagues described her employment record as exemplary and said she genuinely loved her job.
The inquest heard that the disciplinary meeting stemmed from an anonymous complaint made by a co-worker. The allegation claimed that Moffat had shared confidential information about colleagues after gaining access to it while managing her director’s email inbox.
Court proceedings revealed that Moffat was not told the purpose of the meeting before she was called in. During the discussion, she also was not reassured that her job was unlikely to be at risk, despite evidence suggesting dismissal was not expected.
Family members told the court that the uncertainty left the 26-year-old devastated. Unbeknownst to her, she had recently been selected for a promotion and had also been awarded a bonus in recognition of her work—information she never had the chance to receive.
The day after the disciplinary meeting, Moffat died by suicide.
Speaking during the inquest, her mother, Anne Moffat, said the events leading up to her daughter’s death formed a clear sequence.
“The evidence establishes a clear sequence of events. Had Chloe been properly supported and advised of her rights before the meeting, she would not have been so devastated and isolated.” Continue Reading ⬇️