Some of the biggest companies in the UK have quit the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) following a second rape allegation from a woman working for the business group.
NatWest joined the John Lewis Partnership, BMW and Virgin Media O2 in cancelling their involvement with the CBI, casting doubt over the future of the business group. Aviva, Mastercard, Phoenix, Zurich, Vitality, B&Q owner Kingfisher and People’s Partnership also pulled their membership of the group after the latest in a series of misconduct allegations facing the CBI.
Other major employers – such as Asda, Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever, Scottish Power, the British Beer and Pub Association, and Shell – have also suspended all activity with the lobbying group. Earlier this month, the Government said it would pause all engagement with the CBI after initial reports over misconduct at the group.
