Fashion company Ted Baker has turned to Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) to conduct an external investigation into alleged harassment and inappropriate behaviour at the company.

The investigation follows claims of harassment, "forced hugs" and "inappropriate touching" by CEO Ray Kelvin, as referenced in an online petition by the company's staff.

The petition, addressed to the company's board of directors, states: "Directors who abuse their power should be held to account. Harassment at Ted Baker is well documented but wilfully ignored by those in charge."

Following the announcement of the investigation, the petition's organisers have referred to their campaign as a 'success': "Thanks to our pressure, Ted Baker are launching a full external independent investigation into the alleged 'culture of harassment'."

HSF will report into a committee of the company's non-executive directors chaired by Sharon Baylay.

Ted Baker said in a statement: "Ray, and the company's leadership, have always prided themselves on Ted Baker being a great employer and business to work with. Accordingly, they and the board take these concerns very seriously and the board has directed a thorough and urgent independent external investigation [to be] carried out into these matters."