The government has distanced itself from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) over allegations of corporate lobbying for sexual harassment.
Both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy and Trade have reportedly suspended cooperation with the organization while the claims are being investigated.
These include rape, sexual harassment and other workplace misconduct, according to those familiar with the situation.
Sources at Jeremy Hunt’s Treasury Department and Kemi Badenoch’s business department have confirmed they are “severing ties with ministers,” meaning scheduled meetings have been postponed.
CBI, one of the UK’s largest business organizations, has postponed all of its public events due to the allegations.
A CBI spokesman said: “We understand the government’s decision to suspend participation pending the outcome of an independent investigation. Shortly after Easter, the CBI board is awaiting preliminary findings and action on the results of the first phase of the investigation.”
The crisis at the CBI has led to the cancellation of events, including the prestigious annual dinner regularly attended by Chancellor and Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey, due to take place at the event on May 11 this year.
It said that “all recent allegations” would be subsequently investigated. Defender reported that more than a dozen women had contacted her claiming they had been sexually harassed by high-profile members of the lobbying group.
A woman told a newspaper that she was raped at an employee party in 2019 and was later told by a manager to seek advice rather than go ahead.
The woman said she did not report the incident to the police, and the CBI told the newspaper that it had no record of it.
The group launched a separate investigation after its CEO, Tony Dunker, was charged with misconduct last month.
In March, the CBI hired the law firm Fox Williams to oversee an independent investigation.
Mr Dunker resigned a month ago after reports that the group was investigating his conduct.
The CBI employee alleged that Mr. Dunker made unwanted contact with her, which she considered sexual harassment.
Mr Dunker apologized for “insulting or upsetting a colleague” and said it was “unintentional”.
It is clear that the latest accusations do not apply to Mr. Dunker.
Several major companies have indicated that they are confirming their CBI membership. A spokesman for Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc said in an email on Wednesday that “the recent allegations are deeply concerning.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for accounting firm EY said “the CBI allegations are highly troubling” and they are awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
Source: I News
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