FORMER Coop chief executive Colin Macleod is suing his ex-employers, claiming he was the victim of a “bullying and smear campaign” by members of the board.
Mr Macleod, who worked for the retailer between 1990 and 2020, is seeking damages for psychiatric and physical illness he claims he suffered as a result of work-related stress.
In an order of justice before the Royal Court, Mr Macleod claims he was being “set up to fail”, with members of the board’s remuneration committee holding meetings in secret and undermining his ability to direct the day-to-day affairs of the organisation. Chief executive since 2010, Mr Macleod was appointed to the board in 2018 but he was signed off work in May 2019 and his contract terminated ten months later although he had indicated that he was ready to return to work.
Among the other complaints he makes are that access to the Coop’s email systems were removed while he was on sick leave and that one of the directors was in breach of their duties by applying for Mr MacLeod’s job as chief executive. Mr MacLeod’s claims are all denied by the Coop.
At a hearing last month, [May] Royal Court Commissioner Matthew Thompson sat alone – in place of either the Master of the Royal Court or the Judicial Greffier who were both conflicted – to resolve a number of preliminary issues relating to the discovery of relevant documents by both parties, particularly emails and WhatsApp messages held on personal devices.
The Commissioner also directed that Mr MacLeod should file his witness statement within 28 days and the evidence of his other witnesses within 14 days of the outstanding documents being provided by the Coop. He indicated that the Coop would then have 21 days, following receipt of Mr MacLeod’s evidence, to file its oral evidence in reply.
The Coop released a short statement saying: “The society is committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and the highest ethical standards. We approach any complaint raised against us with utmost seriousness.
“The society does not accept the allegations made against it by Mr Macleod. While we understand the public interest in this matter, the matter is now in the hands of the Court for resolution.
“We must respect the legal process. As such, we will not make any further comment at this time,” it said.
