CBI to suspend operations until June after exodus of top UK businesses

Companies from John Lewis to NatWest quit membership body after Guardian revelations over alleged sexual misconduct

• Comment: As CBI faces an exodus, do we need something to replace it?
• Second woman claims she was raped by CBI colleagues

The Confederation of British Industry has announced it is to mothball its operations until June after the Guardian’s revelations about alleged sexual misconduct by male employees at the lobbying group led to an exodus of businesses including John Lewis and NatWest.

The CBI’s board said it was suspending all membership and policy activity until an extraordinary meeting in June, when members will vote on its future and purpose.