The boss of fashion chain Ted Baker has announced he is taking a leave of absence during an investigation into claims of a culture of "forced hugs" and other inappropriate behaviour towards staff.
Ray Kelvin said in a statement that the accusations that he enforced a "hugging" culture on staff had "raised some very serious and upsetting issues".
"Ted Baker has been my life and soul for 30 years," he said.
"I love this company and I care deeply for all my colleagues. It's for that reason that I have decided to take a temporary leave of absence."
More than 60 current or former staff have raised complaints about Mr Kelvin, who founded the firm, saying he has been giving them unwanted hugs and shoulder massages in their offices.
The staff used campaigning platform Organise to launch a petition which has so far been signed by more than 1,000 people.
The signatories include nearly 200 current or former employees, it is understood.
Ted Baker said it would "carefully consider" the findings of an independent investigation.
The company said it had been made aware of "further serious allegations" concerning Mr Kelvin's conduct. Chief operating officer Lindsay Page has been appointed interim CEO.
