CBI braced as sexual abuse report looms

THE Confederation of British Industry is set to be rocked further by a report this week into sexual misconduct allegations from Fox Williams.

It is thought that the law firm’s independent report will be critical of the lobby group and its culture.

Three employees are suspended, pending the outcome of the report.

The CBI declined to comment.

The group has been in crisis since allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female staff by its former director general Tony Danker came to light last month. The crisis quickly escalated as drug-related and sexual misconduct allegations against other male employees emerged, including an alleged rape. The emergence of a second rape allegation last week left the CBI fighting for its future.

Scores of members, including John Lewis, Aviva, Natwest, B&Q owner Kingfisher, EY, Mastercard, BMW and

Virgin Media O2 have quit the CBI, while others such as GSK, Tesco, Heathrow, BT, Shell and National Grid have suspended their membership.

The CBI on Friday said it had halted all policy and membership operations and that it has “heard loud and clear a demand for far-reaching change” from its members. It is working on a package of wide-ranging reforms and will put them to a vote of its members in June.

It added: “We know it will take time to rebuild trust in our purpose and culture.and to give our team and former colleagues the space to heal.”

Danker was sacked following an investigation for inappropriate behaviour separate to the rape allegations relating to other staff members. He will be replaced by Rain Newton-smith, the CBI’S former chief economist.