'Fear & alienation' | Co-op rejects 'toxic culture' claims as senior managers raise leadership concerns

Senior managers at the Co-op have raised concerns about what they describe as a “toxic culture” at executive level, according to a letter sent to the retailer’s board and seen by the BBC.

The member-owned grocery and services group has strongly rejected the claims, saying it does not recognise the criticisms and does not believe they reflect the views of the wider leadership or workforce.

Claims of ‘fear and alienation’ at the top

The letter, which was emailed to the chair and another board member more than two weeks ago, is said to represent the views of a large number of senior managers. It alleges a culture of “fear and alienation”, with staff feeling scared to raise concerns about the direction of the business in front of senior executives, including chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq.

Several senior managers told the BBC they corroborate the contents of the letter in full and say they have personally felt intimidated and afraid to speak up. One senior manager said advice was initially ignored and later treated with hostility, adding: “You learn to look at your shoes. Nobody can speak their mind in this business – anyone who does has their card marked.”