The Body Shop’s former owner Natura & Co has contacted current owner Aurelius over alleged unpaid bonuses to former employees.
More than 20 former The Body Shop employees are reportedly owed between up to £3m in bonuses, following the sale of the embattled beauty brand to Aurelius last year.
The employee bonuses, which were part of Natura & Co’s incentive scheme, were said to be transferred to Aurelius as part of the conditions of the £207m sale.
However, the funds are alleged to have disappeared from the app former Body Shop staff used to track the scheme, according to reports by Retail Gazette.
Natura & Co previously cut 25% of The Body Shop’s leadership team and 12% of overall staff in an attempt to mitigate losses.
The Brazilian beauty owner has reportedly contacted Aurelius to inquire why The Body Shop’s former employees have not received their severance bonuses.
The news comes as the ethical beauty brand is reportedly preparing to sell off a large portion of its European and Asian business.
The Body Shop said that this would allow the business to strengthen its operations in other key markets.
Meanwhile, the company’s Interim CEO Ian Bickley stepped down from his role last month following the sale’s completion, with his replacement yet to be announced.
Cosmetics Business has contacted The Body Shop, Natura & Co and Aurelius for comment.
Read more:
- Can The Body Shop’s new campaign and brand purpose save it in 2024?
- Natura & Co mulls separation of Avon business
- Natura & Co confirms plans to delist from the New York Stock Exchange
