Co-op has defended its culture following reports that claimed senior managers complained of a “toxic” environment at the business.

The convenience giant said it did not believe the complaints “represent the views of our broader leadership and colleagues,” The BBC reported.

The broadcaster reported that a letter, which claimed to reflect the views of a large number of senior managers, had been sent to the retailer’s chair and another member of the Co-op board in January.

The letter reportedly voiced criticisms over a culture of “fear and alienation,” with some senior workers feeling scared to raise concerns over business decisions in front of Co-op’s management, including CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq.

Additionally, the BBC said it had heard from senior manager level sources who said they had personally felt intimidated or afraid to speak up in front of the most senior executives.

A Co-op spokesman told the BBC: “Our culture, as a co-operative, ensured decision-making throughout has listened to views from leaders and colleagues across our food and wider business, whilst simultaneously acknowledging when a wide range of views are expressed, not everybody will always agree with the final decisions and actions taken.

“We do not recognise the critical comments referencing culture, leader behaviours and decision-making in our Co-op and do not believe that they represent the views of our broader leadership and colleagues.”

The letter voiced concerns over organisational changes at the business after its cyber-attack last year, according to the report.

The brand reportedly set up a group commercial and logistics (GCL) division under a new strategy which aimed to pursue store partners and buying opportunities. 

The division consolidated various commercial teams into a single unit and led to a senior leadership shake-up, with the recovery from the attack seen as a chance to implement changes to its structure and management to bolster Co-op for the future. 

However, the BBC’s report claimed senior managers told them the business restructuring was partly responsible for the Co-op’s performance weakening.

They added that the ongoing decline in operating performance could no longer be explained by the impact from the cyber-attack.

The report also referenced cautions from workers that the changes would lead to confusion among suppliers and disruption to the company.

Retail Gazette has contacted Co-op for comment. 

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