Sir Philip Green accused of 'grabbing women's breasts and bottoms', says Labour peer

Hundreds of grievance cases were raised against Sir Philip Green for slapping women's bottoms and grabbing their breasts, a Labour peer has claimed.

The allegations were revealed by Lord Hain at Westminster - who last year used parliamentary privilege to name Sir Philip as the subject of claims of sexual harassment.

He told the House of Lords there had been hundreds of complaints from staff.

The Topshop tycoon has previously "categorically and wholly" denied the claims.

Arcadia Group said on Thursday the latest accusations against its chairman were "unfounded".

Today the peer revealed the account of one person who claims to have been harassed by Sir Philip who had begged him to name the tycoon publicly.

Speaking during a debate in the Lords, he said he had originally named the businessman "for moral reasons and was not second-guessing or criticising the judiciary".

He said: "To explain why, I am revealing for the first time in public exactly what one of Sir Philip Green's victims told me whilst pleading with me to name him under parliamentary privilege.

"I quote: 'He was touching and repeatedly slapping women staff's bottoms, grabbing thighs and touching legs.

'Hundreds of grievance cases were raised with HR. The company lawyer who interviewed me then lied. Sir Philip screamed and shouted at staff 'to go to psychologists'.

'Victims went to an employment tribunal but were told it would not get anywhere so settled with an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

''Some were worn down with spiralling legal costs costing them a fortune. He broke some in the end. It was horrible... He is still doing exactly the same thing.

'It is rife, it happened all the time. I saw him grab the breasts of others. This has gone on for a long time.'"

Responding to Lord Hain's latest claims, Sir Philip said: "How sad somebody who already has proven they're prepared to abuse the system wants to continue to behave in this manner."

He added: "To abuse parliamentary privilege in this way at this time knowing the damage it can cause is beyond irresponsible."

A statement from Arcadia Group read: "In response the company would like to state that these comments are unfounded.

"There have never been hundreds of complaints as stated by Lord Hain, additionally, Sir Philip has not been present in the London Head Offices for nearly a year.

"The company has a grievance policy in place across the business for any colleagues wishing to raise any concerns.

"We take accusations and grievances very seriously and in the event that one is raised, it is thoroughly investigated.

"In light of the recent announcement made by the Group it seems unfortunate for Lord Hain to continue to make accusations of this nature at this time."