Adnams Brewery is in discussions about leaving the under-fire Confederation of British Industry (CBI) after a string of sexual misconduct allegations broke.

Chief executive Andy Wood told BBC Radio 4 his firm were holding conversations about withdrawing from the trade body.

It follows a host of corporate members, including EY and Rolls Royce, who pay substantial fees to the membership body expressing concerns over the allegations.
Wood told the Today programme: “Reputations take decades to build and moments to destroy, and the CBI need to get on with this and sort it out quickly, and restore our trust and confidence in the organisation.

“I’d say if there is any scintilla of truth in this, I think I can speak for all members that such behaviour is completely unacceptable and there is no place for it in the workplace.”

Asked if “age-old enemies” of the CBI will be exploiting the situation, Mr Wood said: “I think it’s right that government has suspended communications with it at the moment. I think it’s right that the CBI has suspended communications and events.

“I hope that’s not political, I hope it’s to give the organisation time to get its house in order and restore its reputation, and build the trust and confidence of its members.”

He added that he will need to see the investigation result before making any decisions.