Co-op CEO alleges 'witch hunt'
The former CEO of the Channel Islands Coop has taken his old employer to court for a personal injury civil claim.
Colin Macleod was in the top job between 2010 and 2020 and alleges four directors conspired to remove him, leading to him being signed off with stress before a subsequent sick leave period culminated in the termination of his contract.
He had been at the Coop since he was 20 years old, working his way up from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Macleod described the events to Jersey's Royal Court as a "mercy killing" and said there was a "witch hunt" to get him out.
He alleged the company had "no respect for duty of care" after he was blocked from his work email accounts without consultation.
Macleod told the court there was "no respect or regard" for his health and described it as "shutting off life support".
He added: "It was like cutting off an umbilical cord. I belonged to that organisation.
"The irony of the company's motto: 'Belonging is everything'."
Advocate Jeremy Heywood, representing the Channel Islands Coop, told the court during cross-examination that the "decision was taken to allow you to focus on your recovery".
Advocate Heywood added that Macleod would have access to counselling services through the company, something he denied.
Macleod alleged "the society cut off all funding for psychiatric treatment" and as a result, his appointments were cancelled.
Advocate Heywood disputed this claim, with evidence from medical professionals and psychologists read out in court saying Macleod "appeared motivated to return to work" and was "expected to make a full recovery".
Macleod, however, argued: "I am a sick man, making a desperate effort to find out what had happened.
"I didn’t need pills or therapists, the pill I needed was someone to sit down and tell me what had happened, so I could control my thoughts."
Macleod told the court: "I am here today receiving treatment, trying to understand what actually happened, so I can move on with my life.
"The therapy I needed was to understand what had happened, it’s taken me five years to limp to here … and I'm still ostracised.
"This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Litigation is very difficult, the delays, the denials, the insults, but a necessary journey to get better."
The Channel Islands Coop denies the claims and said: "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."
The case continues.