Scandal-hit CBI shuts overseas offices in drive to reduce costs

The CBI will close almost all its overseas offices as it battles a sex and drugs scandal.

The lobby group has told staff that it will be cutting operations in Beijing, Delhi and Washington DC in the coming months in a bid to drive down costs.

The move will mean that Brussels will be the only international office remaining for the CBI.

The CBI, which claimed to represent as many as 190,000 businesses, was rocked by allegations of workplace misconduct earlier this year. These included claims of rape, sexual assault and drug abuse among its staff.

This plunged the lobby group into crisis with many of its largest members – including Natwest, John Lewis and Aviva – cutting ties or suspending involvement with the group.

CBI director general Tony Danker was sacked in April after separate complaints were made against him.

A junior colleague is said to have complained about ‘unwanted contact’ from Danker, 51, which she regarded as sexual harassment. The father-of-two apologised for causing any unintentional offence. He was replaced by Rain Newton-Smith.

A CBI spokesman said: ‘We have had to take the difficult decision to reduce our number of overseas offices as the CBI shifts to a smaller, leaner operation.

‘The CBI will, however, continue to provide a valuable international service to members, including maintaining an international presence.’