News of the police investigation came after Tony Dunker was fired Tuesday morning. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) went deep last night when police launched an investigation into alleged sexual harassment at a lobbying group following the dismissal of its CEO.
The City of London Police said it approached the CBI following reports that more than a dozen women said they had been victims of various forms of sexual harassment by high-profile individuals within the organisation.
The lawsuit includes one employee who claims she was raped at an employee party on a Thames boat in 2019.
News of the police investigation came after the CBI filed case. CEO on Tuesday morning after investigating his own behavior towards staff.
Tony Dunker has criticized the UK's largest business lobbying group for the way it has reacted to his dismissal. He said that some of the allegations against him were «misrepresented» and that he was not given the opportunity to present his point of view.
Mr Dunker added that he «inadvertently made a number of colleagues feel uncomfortable", saying he was «really sorry.»
There is no suggestion that Mr. Dunker is the subject of a police investigation.
..I admit that I unintentionally made some colleagues feel uncomfortable, and I sincerely regret it. I want to wish my former CBI colleagues every success.
— Tony Dunker (@tonydanker) April 11, 2023
Raine Newton-Smith, former CBI Chief Economist, to replace former Labor Special Adviser, trade body announced .
The government cut ties with the lobbying group while the allegations are being investigated, Whitehall sources said.
Dunker's departure followed allegations that he sent unsolicited messages to an employee for more than a year, as well as making unsolicited verbal remarks. He also allegedly looked at employees' personal Instagram profiles.
Mr Dunker had already stepped aside while the investigation was underway and had previously apologized for causing «insult or concern to any colleague.»
Outside lawyers are investigating isolated allegations of rape, sexual harassment and other serious incidents that took place before Mr. Dunker took over as CEO and led to the removal of three unnamed individuals.
Police spokesman of the City of London said: «The City of London Police takes all acts of sexual harassment and violence against women and girls extremely seriously.»
«We approached the CBI following media reports and our investigations are at a very early stage. It would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”
Mr. Dunker said he acknowledges “the intense publicity the CBI has experienced since the exposure of the horrific events that took place before I took office.”
He said: “I was shocked to hear about them for the first time. time last week.
“However, I was shocked to learn this morning that I was fired from the CBI, instead of being offered a position as originally confirmed.
“Many of the allegations against me have been twisted, but I admit that I unintentionally made some colleagues feel uncomfortable and I sincerely regret it.
“I want to wish my former CBI colleagues every success.”< /p>
The decision to appoint Ms. Newton-Smith caught some by surprise as external investigations into individual allegations continue.
Rain Newton-Smith will replace Tony Dunker as director of the Business Lobbying Group. Photo: Darren Staples/Bloomberg
Andy Wood, Chief Executive of Adnams Brewery, said: “Raine's appointment as CEO may seem rushed, but she has been a CBI employee for many years and will be well known and trusted by members and, importantly, a known figure for CBI. staff.
“Very serious things have happened, and I am glad that they reacted quickly.
“Three other employees have been suspended from work, so this is not the end. There is no place for the intended type of behavior in the workplace.”
Neil Carberry, Executive Director of the Confederation for Recruitment and Employment (REC), said: “As members, REC has asked the CBI Board for strong leadership to address the horrific allegations reported in the press this spring. Today's announcement is an important first step towards that.
“Rain Newton-Smith is an excellent CEO appointment and he has our full confidence and support. She has a big job to do. Supporting female employees facing unacceptable behavior should now be a top priority.”
Former Siemens UK chief Jurgen Mayer called the events at CBI a “moment of awakening.”
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He told BBC Radio 4 on World at One: «It's been a bad week for CBI and for more responsible business in general, but I'm glad CBI is acting decisively. and that they received good independent advice.
“I think the CBI should be allowed to look into this issue now and get back to presenting the voice of strong business and responsible business.”
Vice Chairman of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership added: “I think this is a moment of awakening for everyone us. We've seen too much of this in organizations across the country, whether it's in the police, whether it's in government and of course in business, and I think for any leader this is a wake up moment to make sure we're doing this, doing indigenous and industry reviews of our organization and making sure we have a culture that doesn't allow for this kind of behavior.»
Rachel Reeves said the events at the CBI are «incredibly disturbing».
Shadow Chancellor The Labor Party, during a visit to Brighton, told broadcasters: «Obviously what's going on at the CBI is incredibly worrying and it's important that these checks can run their course.
«Labour, like the government, have severed our ties and are not currently interacting with the CBI while these investigations are ongoing.”
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