John Lewis latest business to exit CBI
It comes as the CBI is facing a second allegation of rape from a woman who claims she was assaulted by two male colleagues
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John Lewis has become the latest business to today terminate its CBI membership in light of the recent allegations against the group.
In a statement released today, the retailer said: “Due to the further very serious and ongoing allegations made relating to the CBI, we have decided to end our membership with immediate effect.”
It comes as the CBI is facing a second allegation of rape from a woman who claims she was assaulted by two male colleagues.
According to the latest report from The Guardian, the offence took place at one of the CBI’s overseas offices and comes following reports of an alleged rape at a CBI summer party in 2019 which is currently under investigation from the City of London Police.
The outlet also reported that it was told that a woman based at the organisation’s London office was stalked by a male colleague in 2018. Following reports of the incident the CBI launched an investigation and a finding of harassment was upheld but the man continued to work at the CBI.
In response to the latest allegations, CBI president Brian McBride, said: “The latest allegations put to us by The Guardian are abhorrent and our hearts go out to any women who have been victims of the behaviour described. While the CBI was not previously aware of the most serious allegations, it is vital that they are thoroughly investigated now and we are liaising closely with the police to help ensure any perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Last week the CBI revealed it had dismissed its director general Tony Danker following separate allegations of misconduct.
In March, it was revealed that Danker was to step away from his role due to an investigation into complaints concerning his conduct in the workplace. The CBI had engaged employment law at Fox Williams in an investigation into the allegations while CBI’s chief UK policy director, Matthew Fell, replaced Danker on an interim basis.
Aviva was one of the first businesses to today reveal it had terminated its CBI membership, saying: “In light of the very serious allegations made, and the CBI’s handling of the process and response, we believe the CBI is no longer able to fulfil its core function – to be a representative voice of business in the UK. We have therefore regrettably terminated our membership with immediate effect.”
