Business Diary: The taxman has always been an easy target for jokes at financial services gatherings but the loss of two discs containing personal data on 25 million people last year has opened HM Revenue & Customs up to further ridicule.

The taxman has always been an easy target for jokes at financial services gatherings but the loss of two discs containing personal data on 25 million people last year has opened HM Revenue & Customs up to further ridicule.

The latest contribution was from comedian Rory Bremner at a packed black-tie dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London last week.

"HMRC had booked two tables but they lost the invitations. We then sent them e-mail reminders but they'd even lost the computers."

Is that the patter of little funds?
BUSINESS Diary is surprised by the blasé reaction at Scottish Widows to the fact that its iconic widow, usually seen looking unruffled and mysterious at the top of picturesque mountains, has overcome her grief long enough to become pregnant.

Apparently model Hayley Hunt, who took over the role in June 2006, is expect- ing her first baby in the summer.

Mike Hoban, customer and brand director at Scottish Widows, said: "This is very exciting news for our team as it's the first time ever a Scottish Widow has become pregnant."

Will Widows now shift in its product offering from pensions to child trust funds?

City types attempt to sweeten their day
THE PR industry is fond of publishing spurious polls to gain publicity for its companies, but one this week from Pru Health showed some intriguing insights.

The survey of 3292 people found that, contrary to stereotype, tradesmen are more likely than any other profession to shun an unhealthy lunch.

One in eight would opt for a salad or sushi as a working lunch while 53% make their own sandwiches.

Desk-bound bankers and accountants are among the unhealthiest eaters, with more than half (52%) snacking on a chocolate bar during the working day.