Top City firms say they are deeply committed to sustainability in all its forms. But are they really? They certainly talk the talk when it comes to environmental, social and governance issues. They put pressure on their suppliers and customers to uphold ESG standards. But they are falling short when it comes to perhaps their most important ESG responsibility — the welfare of their own staff.

For months, FN has been chronicling how some junior City staff have been put under unsustainable pressure since the onset of the pandemic. The intense workload from a wave of client deals combined with the stress of working from home has taken a heavy toll on employees’ mental health.