Published: February 11, 2026 at 4:01 pm
Some senior managers at the Co-op have complained of a “toxic culture” at executive level, the BBC reports.
The 180-year-old member-owned food and services group, which has a reputation for upholding ethical values, is facing allegations that it created “fear and alienation” among several senior staff.
Amid declining performance, a letter to Co-op board members – seen by the BBC – also said they were scared to raise concerns about the direction of the business, which is led by chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq.
Lawyers for the Co-op told the BBC they did not recognise these claims and “do not believe that they represent the views of our broader leadership and colleagues”.
A senior manager told the BBC: “You learn to look at your shoes. Nobody can speak their mind in this business – anyone who does has their card marked.”
Responding to the reports, Thomas Beale, partner and head of workplace bullying and harassment at law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said he has “seen firsthand how toxic workplace cultures can lead to horrific and sustained bullying, harassment and abuse, which causes long-term psychological injuries”.