Ted Baker boss finally quits over culture of ‘forced hugging’

THE founder of Ted Baker has been forced to quit after he was accused of harassing staff and overseeing a culture of ‘forced hugs’.

Ray Kelvin, who was paid £1.3m last year, said the past few months ‘have been deeply distressing’ amid a wave of allegations over his behaviour.

The 63-year-old ( pictured) has been on a leave of absence from the fashion firm since December and denies the accusations.

But he said it was the ‘right thing to do, to step away from Ted’. He added the business has been his ‘life and soul’ since establishing it in 1988 from a single shop in Glasgow.

Kelvin is the subject of an internal investigation being carried out by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills after claims emerged that he massaged, kissed, hugged and inappropriately touched members of staff.

He said: ‘The past few months have been deeply distressing and I’ll now be taking time privately with my family to consider what my next adventure will be.’

The allegations surfaced in December after an anonymous employee started an online petition demanding an investigation. He has also been accused of bullying, with a claim he shoved a former executive against a wall because he was not invited to his wedding.