Super Retail Group to face court over allegations of undisclosed exec relationship, bullying

The company, which operates the brands Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF and Macpac, said it expects the employees will jointly claim loss and damages in the range of $30 million to $50 million.

The group also anticipates that allegations in the proceedings will include the non-disclosure of a relationship between CEO Anthony Heraghty and an unnamed former chief human resources officer, who it was clarified would not be one of the employees making the claim.

The company believed that other allegations in the lawsuit could include inappropriate company travel, bullying, victimisation and adverse treatment, particularly regarding employees in the corporate team having unreasonable workloads, insufficient resources and restricted access to information, as well as unsatisfactory company record management.

The two employees putting forward these allegations will be represented by Sydney-based specialist employment law firm Harmers Workplace Lawyers.

In a response to the announcement, Harmers confirmed it was acting for "several" Super Retail Group employees and claimed the company's statement contained "major inaccuracies".

The board of Super Retail Group, led by chairman Sally Pitkin, noted that internal investigations found none of the allegations were determined to be true.

“The board has conducted a review and investigations into these allegations. The board was supported by independent external advisers. The board’s review and investigations concluded that none of the allegations are substantiated,” the company said.

“Super Retail Group will defend any court proceedings in relation to the allegations. Allens is acting for the group. As these matters are expected to be the subject of litigation, the group does not intend to make any further comment at this time.

“The group will update the market on this matter as appropriate.”