The Co-op has confirmed it will appeal a Royal Court judgment that awarded more than £3 million to its former chief executive following findings that the society failed in its duty of care.
Colin Sinclair Macleod (55) brought a psychological injury claim against the company after he was dismissed in 2020 following a period of sickness, leading to a weeks-long trial earlier this year to establish whether members of the board had worked to oust him.
In a statement issued to shareholders shortly after the full judgment was published yesterday, current Co-op chief executive Mark Cox said the society did not accept the court’s conclusions and believed there were “substantial grounds for appeal”.
“Whilst we acknowledge the judgment, with respect, we do not agree with the findings,” the statement said.
“After liaising closely with our insurers and legal advisers, we therefore intend to challenge the decision through the appeal process.”
The ruling, handed down by Commissioner Matthew Thompson in the Royal Court, found that three former Co-op directors – Paula Williams, Jennifer Carnegie and Carol Champion – had acted “in bad faith” towards the former chief executive.
The court concluded that the society’s actions caused Mr Macleod a foreseeable psychiatric injury arising after he was signed off sick in 2019 and later dismissed in 2020 while still unwell. The dismissal, the commissioner said, led to a relapse in his condition.
As a result, Mr Macleod was awarded £3,515,407, comprising past and future loss of earnings and damages. This included £40,000 in general damages and loss of congeniality, as well as future earnings calculated up to the age of 60.
The Co-op must file the grounds for its appeal by 30 January 2026, with discussions ongoing over when any payment would be due.