Ted Baker improves HR policy

Ted Baker, the British fashion label with Scottish roots, has wrapped up an investigation into harassment allegations levelled at its founder Ray Kelvin, which has identified “several areas for improvement” in the group’s HR practices.

The inquiry, which was carried out by legal firm Herbert Smith Freehills, centred on the firm’s policies, procedures and handling of Hr-related complaints.

Following interviews with current and former employees, the law firm identified “several areas for improvement in the company’s HR policies and procedures”. As a result, Ted Baker has begun a “refresh of its HR policies to ensure their alignment with current best practice”.

The group, which was founded as a single shirt shop in Glasgow in the late 1980s and has grown into a global fashion empire, refused to comment on the specific allegations that were made against Kelvin, who had been accused of enforcing a “hugging” culture.

Chairman David Bernstein said: “We are determined to learn from this process and, moving forward, cultivate a better environment for all employees where they always feel respected and valued.

“We are implementing changes and improvements and are committed to developing best-practice HR policies and procedures that reflect the Ted culture we are looking to develop and enhance in the future.”

The firm also announced yesterday that acting boss Lindsay Page will become chief executive on a permanent basis with immediate effect following Kelvin’s departure earlier this year.

Page said: “I am delighted to have been chosen by the board to be the company’s new CEO.

“We have a strong brand and outstanding teams around the world, and I am confident that together we will continue to build on our success and continue to develop Ted Baker as a global lifestyle brand.”