CBI announces major restructuring as it struggles to recover from rape and sexual assault allegations

The troubled lobby group said it needed to make the cuts after several members quit, hitting its revenue.

This move comes as members vote on whether to support plans to reform the CBI, which is seen as critical to its future.

The CBI, which represents around 190,000 businesses, has lost high-profile members since the misconduct claims became public in April.

John Lewis, BMW, and Tesco have cut ties with the group, while others such as Sainsbury's have suspended engagement.

The government has also paused its engagement with the CBI, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt saying there was "no point" when the CBI's own members had deserted it.

Next Wednesday's extraordinary general meeting (EGM) will discuss the group's "programme of change," aimed at restoring trust in the body.

The outcome of the meeting will be revealed at the meeting, which is seen as key to the CBI's future.

The CBI has also announced that its president Brian McBride will step down earlier than planned, as part of an overhaul of its leadership.

Other moves include the refresh of the CBI board and the creation of a new committee to focus on people and human resources matters.

The CBI was founded in 1965 and today employs around 300 people.

It campaigns against Brexit, lobbies the government to secure a trade and co-operation agreement, and promotes best practices among its members.

However, the group has been in hibernation since the allegations came to light, and will only resume work if members support its plans.

In a statement, the CBI said it needed to reduce its salary cost base by a third and that it would be a "smaller and refocussed organisation in the future." The group also revealed that its new director-general, Rain Newton-Smith, had listened to its members' concerns and was taking accountability.

She said that she believed that "nobody had given up on what we represent."