Major UK companies including Unilever, NatWest, John Lewis and Virgin Media O2 today withdrew from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). after new allegations of rape of women by representatives of the employers’ union.

OUR CBIwhich claims to represent 190,000 businesses, including some of Britain’s largest companies, may face a struggle to survive as membership numbers cut ties with it.

Following last week’s rape allegations and news that the case is being investigated by the police, the Guardian newspaper today reports that a second woman was raped by two CBI officers. The woman blamed the CBI for not supporting her after the incident. Other sources told the newspaper that there was a third woman who was secretly monitored by a union representative, but the CBI dissuaded her from reporting the stalker.

“While the CBI was not previously aware of the most serious allegations, it is vital that they are fully investigated and we are in close contact with the police,” said Confederate President Brian McBride.

While some members of the CBI, such as supermarket chain Tesco, said they would await the conclusions of the law firm’s investigation on behalf of the confederation, others decided to cut ties immediately. “Due to further very serious and ongoing complaints regarding CBI, we have taken the decision to exit immediately,” retail chain John Lewis said in a statement. Vigin Media O2 criticized the confederation’s handling of the complaints, saying it “does not represent” UK companies. “Therefore, we have informed the CBI of the termination of our participation,” a spokesman for the carrier said.

Among the companies that have left are insurers Aviva, Phoenix Group and Zurich Insurance Group, telecommunications company BT Group and business services company PwC, while bank Santander said it was considering joining. Fund manager Fidelity International has said it will not renew its involvement with the CBI.

London police launched an investigation last week after The Guardian reported that a CBI employee said she was raped by an officer at a party. The CBI fired its CEO, Tony Dunker, but his departure was unrelated to the felony charges.

Source: APE-MPE, Reuters.

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