// John Lewis Partnership and Freemans terminate memberships with Confederation of British Industry (CBI) amid rape allegations
// Asda, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Tesco have “paused” its relationship with the group as the claims are investigated
John Lewis Partnership has become the latest retailer to cut ties with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) following a second sexual harassment allegation.
It joins Asda, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Tesco which have all “paused” its membership with the lobby group while the claims are investigated.
The CBI has received several sexual assault claims following an article from The Guardian, which reported an employee had allegedly been raped by a manager at one of the group’s company events in 2019.
On Friday, a second woman claimed she had been sexually assaulted by two of her CBI colleagues.
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Tesco said it was “deeply concerned” by the allegations and has paused its membership with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, John Lewis Partnership said: “Due to the further very serious and ongoing allegations made relating to the CBI, we have decided to end our membership with immediate effect.”
Online retailer Freemans has also followed suit in leaving the CBI following the “distressing and shocking allegations of rape and sexual misconduct at the business lobbying group”.
In a statement, the CBI said: “The CBI shares the shock and revulsion at the events that have taken place in our organisation, and at past failures that allowed these events to happen.
“We are deeply sorry and express our profound regret to the women who have endured these horrific experiences.
“We are taking steps to address our failings but recognise these are not yet sufficient to sustain the confidence of our colleagues, members and of the broader business community.
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