Australian fashion business Country Road Group is undergoing an independent review amid allegations of harassment and sexual assault.
A statement by Country Road Group confirmed the independent review is currently in its final stages, with the outcomes expected to be shared with its team members in June.
“The Country Road Group (CRG) takes any complaint of harassment, including sexual harassment, very seriously and has a zero-tolerance policy for matters of this nature,” a spokesperson said.
“Having received feedback from some team members regarding the handling of their complaints, our parent company Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) has taken prompt action, including the commissioning of an independent investigation to look into this matter.”
The spokesperson added that it is critically important to them that the CRG workplace is “one where all team members feel safe, valued and included.”
“We sincerely thank team members for speaking up and raising their concerns. In the interim, we strongly encourage all parties to avoid speculation on outcomes prior to the completion of the independent investigation.”
According to The Australian, two senior executives at Country Road have resigned since the launch of the investigation, with Woolworths Holdings Limited CEO Roy Bagattini initially flying out to Australia to address the allegations.
The alleged improper behaviour include “sexually laced comments”, unwanted kisses and touches and workplace bullying, with many staff reportedly angry at the initial response by its parent company, including failure to offer adequate support.
It is now believed that staff at Country Road Group’s Melbourne headquarters have been offered access to counselling services.
The two senior executives who are alleged to be involved in the scandal are both former R.M.Williams executives.