It's the measure, the yardstick for judging the merits of employees, but it also gets rid of problems. This man was a problem for another big city company. He hit the glass ceiling, complained, was moved sideways then sacked. He settled and signed a confidentiality clause. We can't identify him or the company.
Lawyers encourage claimants to sign.
Very few want their day in court. By agreeing to a gagging clause they get a pay off and crucially a reference for a better chance of moving on to another job in the City. Nearly all wouldn't or couldn't tell us. The Stock Exchange said 'we don't comment on personnel issues as a matter of policy' Saloman Brothers said 'would only give them on the basis of anonymity'. Bain and Co said 'they don't track ethnic background'.