CBI cancels key events as it reels from rape claim
CBI cancels major events as it reels from rape claim – with Bailey speech at annual dinner among those axed
- The CBI is investigating more allegations of drug abuse and sexual misconduct
- Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey was due to speak at the CBI’s annual dinner
The Confederation of British Industry has postponed all public events as it investigates more allegations of drug abuse and sexual misconduct, including rape at a staff party.
The group – the UK’s largest business lobbying organization – said the high-profile annual dinner due to take place next month is one of those that will not go ahead as planned.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey was due to speak at the event on May 11, where tickets cost £440 for an individual or more than £4,000 for a table.
Rishi Sunak gave a speech at dinner last year when he was chancellor, and Philip Hammond and George Osborne have also attended in the past.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey was scheduled to speak at the event on May 11
But the CBI said it has decided to “temporarily suspend its external program of events” in the wake of “very serious allegations” against staff.
The group, which claims to speak on behalf of 190,000 UK businesses employing nearly 7 million workers, was already reeling after complaints against CBI director-general Tony Danker emerged last month.
Danker agreed to step down while an investigation takes place.
The new allegations are believed not to concern Danker, with the ever-expanding investigation plunging the CBI into its biggest crisis since it was established by royal charter in 1965.
More than a dozen women approached The Guardian newspaper, claiming to be victims of sexual misconduct by senior figures in the lobby group.
A woman said she was raped by a senior colleague at a CBI boat party on the Thames in the summer of 2019.
Other allegations include an attempted assault by a manager at the same boat party and a senior manager sending explicit images to junior female staff over several years.
Senior managers have also been accused of inappropriate behavior towards younger female colleagues, with a former board member allegedly touching a woman’s buttocks.
A manager allegedly proposed to women after urging them to drink more alcohol, while cocaine use was reportedly rife at CBI events.
One of the women said, “There are nice men working at the CBI. But there are also men who prey on younger women.
“The experience of being targeted destroyed my confidence at work and in other areas of my personal life.”
Complaints against CBI director general Tony Danker emerged last month
The latest claims emerged a month after a female CBI employee claimed she was sexually harassed by Danker.
An independent investigation has been launched and Danker, 51, has stepped aside until a decision is made. None of the new claims included in the investigation pertain to him.
Labor MP Lisa Nandy has withdrawn from appearing at the CBI over the latest claims. The Shadow Secretary for Levels, Housing, Communities and Local Government was scheduled to appear at the CBI Political Engagement Dinner on April 25.
A CBI spokesman said: “In light of the very serious allegations currently under independent investigation, the CBI has decided to temporarily suspend its external events program, including its annual May 11 dinner.
“After Easter, the board hopes to have preliminary findings and actions from the first phase of the investigation and will review, among other things, this pause in event activity at that time.”