The new head of the CBI in Britain is a hired killer, no less. Not that there is anything sinister about the people who do the killing on his behalf unless you happen to be a rat or a cockroach for Sir Clive Thompson is the head of Rentokil Initial, the pest control and business services group. Sir Clive has earned his reputation for toughness through his aggressive expansion of Rentokil, turning what was an unfashionable firm of rat catchers into one of the biggest companies in the country.

Many observers have predicted his appointment would mark a change of style for the CBI and an end to its cosy relationship with New Labour. Only hours before his official appointment on Tuesday they were proved right by a radio interview in which he warned Tony Blair against "cluttering" up the workplace with compulsory recognition of trade unions. No doubt his pest killing skills will be useful in dealing with troublesome members of the Government.