CBI pauses external events amid sexual misconduct allegations

The Confederation of British Industry said on Tuesday that it has temporarily paused its external programme of events, following fresh allegations of sexual misconduct.

The CBI said in a brief statement: "In light of the very serious allegations that are currently subject to independent investigation, the CBI has decided to temporarily pause its external programme of events, including the annual dinner on 11 May.

"After Easter, the board hopes to have preliminary findings and actions from the first phase of the investigation and, among other steps, will review this pause in event activity at that point."

The CBI said on Monday that it was investigating "all recent allegations" after the Guardian reported that more than a dozen women claimed to have experienced sexual misconduct by senior figures there.

Last month, Tony Danker stepped aside as director general of the CBI while an investigation is carried out into his workplace conduct.

The organisation said it had been made aware of an allegation about Danker’s workplace conduct in January. That had been "dealt with comprehensively" at the time, it said, and had not required escalation.

However, since then it was made aware of further reports about his conduct, and subsequently launched an independent investigation.