Firms told to cut down on alcohol at work parties

Businesses are being urged to limit the amount of alcohol served at work social events in order to prevent people from acting inappropriately towards others. The warning from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) comes as it releases a new poll, suggesting a third of managers have seen harassment or inappropriate behaviour at parties. Women were more likely than men to say they had witnessed this behaviour. The CMI's boss said alcohol "doesn't need to be the main event" at parties.

Average Treasury worker 34 despite over-50s back to work push

The chancellor is urging over-50s back into work but the average age of Treasury staff is 33.6, the BBC has learned. Just under 10% of Treasury staff are over 50, it revealed. This age group makes up 32% of the UK workforce, the Office for National Statistics said. Charities warn over-50s do want to work but often face ageism from recruiters. The Treasury said its recruitment processes were "fair, open and based on merit".

McDonald's manager 'exposed himself in front of me'

Christine was working at a South London branch of McDonald's in 2018 when, she says, she was sexually harassed by a manager. "He pulled his pants down in the stockroom," she said, adding the experience left her "terrified". Her story comes after McDonald's signed an agreement with the UK equality watchdog following concerns over how it handled sexual harassment complaints. McDonald's said Christine's experiences were "completely unacceptable".

Cost of living: If no one comes we close early, says pub

At the Barn Pub near Rugby, the drinks are ready to be served, but unless lots of customers arrive, staff leave early. "If no regulars come in, we close early," the chef says. "It costs to keep this building heated." The Barn Pub is not alone. A survey from the British Beer and Pub Association, seen by the BBC, suggested most pubs are thinking of cutting down trading hours over the winter. The industry is grappling with energy bills and staff shortages.

Cost of living: The restaurants shrinking their menus to survive

"We've had to slash our menu just to survive," says Claire Riddleston, manager of the Green Room restaurant in Colchester. Pies and burgers have faced the chop, as the firm struggles with staff shortages and food prices. UK Hospitality told the BBC that offering shorter menus is one of a number of ways restaurants and cafes are trying to get through the winter. "It was the only option to keep the business open," Mrs Riddleston said.

Why I didn't use my real name at work

Should you change your name to fit in? That’s what BBC reporter Noor Nanji did, switching to “Nina” instead. And she’s not the only one. There’s a long history of people anglicising their names, including on CVs. For some, it’s because of pronunciation issues, others fear racial discrimination. The human resources body, the CIPD, says “organisations need to ensure their practices are inclusive, fair and free from bias”. Noor went to meet others who have changed their name to find out why.