Country Road Group launches probe into mishandling of staff complaints about sexual harassment, bullying and racism

Country Road Group has launched an internal investigation into alleged mishandling of staff complaints about sexual harassment, racism and bullying.

Country Road Group has launched an internal investigation after staff reported their complaints of sexual harassment, racism and bullying were mishandled by management.

The group’s parent company has ordered an investigation into the handling of staff complaints after feedback was received from staff about how they were treated.

A spokesman for the company said they took complaints of harassment, including sexual harassment, very seriously and they had a zero-tolerance policy for matters of this nature.

“It is critically important to us that our workplace is one where all team members feel safe, valued and included,” the spokesman said.

Country Road Group has launched an internal investigation. Picture: Lachie Millard

“We sincerely thank team members for speaking up and raising their concerns.”

The company’s chief executive Roy Bagattini has since sent an email to staff after the investigation was reported in the media.

“You are no doubt aware that some of our team members have pre-emptively engaged with the media and this has resulted in various speculative news reports,” he said to staff.

“The external attention on our company, through these news articles, can be unsettling and comes at a difficult time for yourselves but also for us as a company.”

The investigation is expected to wrap up in June.