Fashion retailer Country Road says it is investigating its handling of sexual harassment and bullying allegations. 

Multiple employees have reported feeling unsafe at work and expressed dissatisfaction with the company's response to their complaints.

The Country Road Group, which operates under South African parent company Woolworths Holdings Limited, announced the investigation after receiving feedback from employees.

“Having received feedback from some team members regarding the handling of their complaints, our parent company Woolworths Holdings Limited has taken prompt action, including the commissioning of an independent investigation to look into this matter,” a Country Road spokesperson stated.

Findings will be shared with Country Road Group team members in June, reports say. 

In March, Woolworths Holdings CEO Roy Bagattini reportedly visited Country Road’s Melbourne head office to address concerns directly with employees. 

It followed complaints regarding unwanted touching of female staff, bullying, and racism. 

News Corp reports say that staff members felt angered by what they perceived as the company’s failure to adequately address these issues.

In an email to staff, Bagattini allegedly acknowledged the dissatisfaction among employees concerning the handling of their complaints. 

“Specifically, team members felt their feedback had not been heard and the process to address the complaints [was] far too long,” he wrote in an excerpt of the email published by The Australian.

Country Road Group, which includes the brands Country Road, Mimco, Trenery, Politix, and Witchery, says it is focusing on reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety and support.