CBI Members Weigh Leaving Over Sexual Misconduct Claims

Several members of the Confederation of British Industry are weighing whether leave it after a Guardian investigation revealed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by the business lobby group's staff.

- Jasper Jolly

The CBI has briefed members in recent days promising to reveal early findings from the investigation next week. These findings are understood to be those related to its director general, Tony Danker. Danker has been on leave since the Guardian revealed last month he was the subject of complaints by staff about his conduct, including one complaint of behaviour perceived as sexual harassment.

It is unclear when other allegations, which are unrelated to Danker, will be reported on by Fox Williams, the independent law firm appointed to the investigation.

Several members have described finding themselves in a quandary, unsatisfied with how the CBI has handled a spate of allegations but also acknowledging the need for a business lobbying organisation at a time of economic uncertainty for the UK. Several have said they will not comment publicly about their membership plans until after the CBI publishes findings of its investigation. The CBI claims to represent about 190,000 businesses ranging from Barclays to Asda.