The CBI rape charges. Image source: GETTY IMAGES
The allegations of rape and sexual assault within the CBI shocked the shadow minister for Labour, who also noted that more businesses are cutting ties with the lobbying group.
Due to the charges of sexual assault against the CBI, numerous businesses have announced their resignation from the organization or the suspension of their membership.
In order to refocus, the CBI itself has also chosen to put important initiatives on hold until June.
Some industry executives, however, think that the CBI’s reputation might be irreparably tarnished.
Before the Guardian broke the news of a second incident last Friday, the authorities were already looking into an alleged rape that occurred at a CBI summer party in 2019.
There have also been more complaints of sexual misconduct. Jonathan Ashworth of the Labour Party has called for “root and branch” reform of the company, but he has not formally advocated its dissolution.
The administration and the Labour Party have both severed ties with the CBI.
In addition to the firms mentioned earlier, several other organizations, including GSK, AstraZeneca, Heathrow, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Santander, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Scottish Power, Diageo, Rolls Royce, Unilever, BT, British Land, PwC, Manpower Group, British Beer and Pub Association, Shell, BP, Nissan, Royal Mail, Uber, Meta (formerly known as Facebook), Flutter Entertainment (owner of Paddy Power), Reckitt (maker of Nurofen), British American Tobacco, and IHG (owner of the Holiday Inn chain) have suspended or paused their membership with the CBI due to the sexual assault allegations.
The CBI, which employs over 300 people, has announced the suspension of key activities and the launch of a review to determine its future role. Andy Wood, CEO of brewer Adnams, has expressed his belief that the CBI’s reputation is likely “beyond repair” and that it must undertake a complete overhaul to reinvent itself.