CBI in meltdown as big-name firms quit following claims of rape and sexual misconduct
BRITAIN’S biggest business lobby group — the CBI — is in meltdown after a raft of firms left following claims of rape and sexual misconduct.
The CBI announced it was suspending all key activities until June — when members will vote on its future.
The group has been engulfed in a sleaze scandal which deepened yesterday after a newspaper report of a second staff rape claim.
The alleged victim said she woke with two male colleagues and believed she had been raped.
Business chiefs said “multiple horrific allegations” meant the CBI’s status as a “trusted voice” was over.
More than 65 firms have axed or paused membership.
Insurance giant Aviva was among those to go. The FTSE 100 company said: “We believe the CBI is no longer able to fulfil its core function — to be a representative voice of business in the UK.” NatWest, John Lewis Partnership and BT also quit — with the telecoms firm calling the allegations “appalling”.
Firms that have “paused” engagement with the CBI while waiting for the outcome of an independent investigation include M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Reckitt, Shell and the banks Barclays, Santander and TSB.
One business chief said it is “ethically untenable to now be associated with the CBI”.
The CBI is funded by its members. Yesterday, in a statement, its board conceded: “Much needs to change if we are to win back their trust so we may continue to represent business at this critical time for the country.”
It added: “The CBI shares the shock and revulsion at the events that have taken place in our organisation, and at past failures that allowed these events to happen.
“We’re deeply sorry and ex- press our profound regret to the women who have endured these horrific experiences.”
The board said it had heard “loud and clear” a demand for far-reaching change.