Head of British business lobby sacked over 'misconduct'

BRITAIN’S main business lobby group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), has sacked director general Tony Danker following a probe into allegations of sexual misconduct, it announced on Tuesday (Apr 11).

The CBI added in a statement that it had suspended three other employees “pending further investigation into a number of ongoing allegations”.

The CBI said Danker “is dismissed with immediate effect, following the independent investigation into specific complaints of workplace misconduct against him”.

He had stepped aside from his role in early March, allowing the investigation to occur.

“The allegations that have been made over recent weeks about the CBI have been devastating,” Tuesday’s statement said.

“While investigations continue into a number of these, it is already clear to all of us that there have been serious failings in how we have acted as an organisation.”

The statement also apologised “to the victims... including those impacted by the revulsion we have all felt at hearing their stories” adding: “Nobody should feel unsafe in their workplace.”

The CBI announced that Rain Newton-Smith, a former chief economist at the group, had agreed to rejoin as its new director general.

Meanwhile, it will create a chief people officer position, overseeing matters of workplace conduct and culture.

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Head of UK business group steps aside over conduct probe

“We know it will take time for these steps to make a difference and rebuild trust,” the CBI said.

“We will now work tirelessly to ensure that under new leadership and with a commitment to build a modern, inclusive culture, the CBI can and will resume its vital work of supporting British business.”

Britain’s Guardian newspaper had reported that more than a dozen women claimed to be victims of sexual misconduct by senior figures at the CBI, including one woman who alleged she was raped at a staff party.

The revelations have caused member companies and the UK government to distance themselves from the lobby group.

Danker said he was “truly sorry” after he was fired.

“I was ... shocked to learn this morning that I had been dismissed from the CBI, instead of being invited to put my position forward as was originally confirmed,” Danker said on Twitter.

“Many of the allegations against me have been distorted, but I recognise that I unintentionally made a number of colleagues feel uncomfortable, and I am truly sorry about that.” AFP, REUTERS