Aviva quits scandal-hit CBI

As fresh allegations continue to pile up against the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), insurance giant Aviva has cancelled its membership. Earlier today, an exclusive report in the Guardian revealed new claims of assault and harassment by CBI personnel.

A report from Reuters revealed that Aviva said the allegations so far are serious enough to warrant it immediately ending its membership of the UK’s leading business lobby organisation, despite the ongoing independent inquiry commissioned by the CBI and the ongoing police investigation into the claims.

“In light of the very serious allegations made, and the CBI’s handling of the process and response, we believe the CBI is no longer able to fulfil its core function – to be a representative voice of business in the UK,” an Aviva spokesperson said.

The update follows the news earlier this week that the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has also terminated its CBI membership. The deepening scandal is continuing to make national headlines, while the CBI – which is said to represent some 190,000 businesses – has engaged the services of a law firm to conduct an investigation, which is expected to be published later today, Friday, April 21.

Meanwhile, Reuters noted that the City of London Police opened an investigation into what the CBI called “a serious criminal offence”.

Last week saw the CBI sack director general Tony Danker for conduct concerns which the Guardian reported was not linked to the criminal allegations. The CBI has also said an urgent root-and-branch review of its culture is ongoing

“While the CBI was not previously aware of the most serious allegations, it is vital that they are thoroughly investigated now and we are liaising closely with the police,” said CBI president Brian McBride. “The board will communicate its response to this (the independent investigation) and the other steps we are taking to bring about the wider change that is needed early next week.”

Update – the ABI, Zurich and more follow suit

Zurich, Phoenix Group and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have also announced their decision to quit the CBI. A spokesperson for Zurich UK said the insurer is “deeply concerned” about the allegations and, as such, has decided to “terminate [its] membership with immediate effect.”

A spokesperson for the ABI said: “It has become untenable to retain our membership in light of further serious allegations and we have informed the CBI of our decision to leave with immediate effect.”

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