Trade bodies move to fill gulf left by CBI - report

A group of heavyweight trade associations are in discussions to fill the gap left by the crisis engulfing the CBI, it was reported on Friday.

According to Sky News, trade bodies including the British Retail Consortium, Energy UK, UK Hospitality and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have held a series of discussions this week.

An unnamed source told Sky that they did not want to create a new body but instead provide a co-ordinated voice on key economy-wide issues. Government officials are aware of the talks, Sky added.

The CBI is facing an uncertain future after it was engulfed by a series of scandals about a toxic workplace culture, as well as two allegations of rape.

Director general Tony Danker was sacked, although many of the most serious allegations occurred before he joined the organisation, and former chief economist Rain Newton-Smith was named as his replacement. Danker claimed he had been made the “fall guy”.

Taking up the role this week, Newton-Smith said the organisation would be renamed, and that she had herself raised concerns about sexual harassment at the organisation. Newton-Smith was CBI’s chief economist from 2014 before stepping down in March to join Barclays.

More than 50 firms have either suspended or cancelled their membership in light of the revelations, including Aviva, John Lewis Partnership and NatWest Group. The government has suspended all its dealings with the CBI, which has temporarily cancelled all public events.

The CBI is expected to formally update members on its progress at an emergency meeting in June.