Retailer Ted Baker to investigate company culture of "forced hugging"

British fashion chain Ted Baker said it would investigate claims against chief executive and founder Ray Kelvin relating to his habit of hugging business colleagues.

An online campaign published by Organise claiming to represent over 200 employees has called on the company to end "forced hugging" and "a culture that leaves harassment unchallenged".

There was no direct comment from Kelvin himself who owns around 35 percent of the company according to Refinitiv Eikon data. Kelvin, 62, developed the Ted Baker brand and has been chief executive since the launch of the company in 1988.

"Ray greets many people he meets with a hug, be it a shareholder, investor, supplier, partner, customer or colleague," the company said in a statement. "Hugs have become part of Ted Baker's culture, but are absolutely not insisted upon," it added.

"While the claims made are entirely at odds with the values of our business and those of our CEO, we take them very seriously and will ensure that a thorough independent investigation is carried out," the company said.

Later, a new statement said the board has directed "a thorough and urgent independent external investigation is carried out into these matters. An independent committee of the Non-Executive Directors has been appointed to ensure that the views and concerns are recognised and carefully considered and that appropriate responses are taken forward."