BrewDog's chief executive has been accused of trying to intimidate former staff who appear in a critical documentary that is set to shine a light on the brewery's workplace culture.
James Watt was forced to apologise last year after the Punks with Purpose group sent an open letter alleging a “culture of fear” and “cult of personality” driving growth at all costs at the Aberdeenshire-headquartered company.
Some of the allegations will be revisited in a BBC documentary, Disclosure: The Truth About BrewDog, due to air on Monday night.
But in posts on BrewDog’s Equity for Punks forum, Watt appeared to attempt to warn sources who gave evidence to the BBC that their identities could be exposed.
In the forum, which is seen by investors and some staff, he said: “All of this is very, very likely to end up in court”, adding that the BBC “will likely have told sources that their identity will remain anonymous”.
However, he said that anonymity “can never be guaranteed” and a court could order the BBC to name former staff who contributed to the programme.
“If anyone is in any way concerned by this, it is not too late to withdraw your consent,” he said.
Bryan Simpson, an industrial organiser for Unite Hospitality, criticised Watt’s comments, stating: “Any attempt to intimidate current and former workers taking a stand on systemic mistreatment will not be tolerated.
“We will represent all Unite members fully against efforts by a multimillionaire to silence them.”
Watt claimed that false information has been given to the BBC, which if broadcast would be highly defamatory.
“BrewDog fully supports transparency and investigative journalism, however it must also protect itself from defamatory allegations and will not hesitate to do so.”
In response to the Punks with Purpose open letter, Watt promised an independent review, which recently reported its findings.
BrewDog also hired former Asda chief executive Allan Leighton as its new non-executive chairman, in part to mentor Watt to become a better leader, following the claims.
The review found a "distinct gap of perception” between former employees and current employees.
Leighton and deputy chairwoman Blythe Jack explained that the company grew “so fast” that its processes and culture didn’t adapt with it, which explained the “lack of HR support, lack of resource, underprepared leadership at all levels and limited understanding of roles, responsibilities and career development objectives”.
Watt also told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland that it was an opportunity for the company to “pause, reflect and learn”, adding: “It’s fair to say that we haven’t always been the best employer we can be and it's fair to say that some people haven’t had a fantastic experience of working in our company.”
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