Working round the clock

Manchester law firm Lopian Wagner has hit on a charitable idea that even the meanest-spirited City law firm could easily sign up to: a 24-hour workathon.

Indeed, it may be the best way of getting reluctant staff to put the required hours in.

In aid of Jeans for Genes Day on 5 October, 19 members of Lopian's staff are to join the workathon, starting at noon the previous day, with the aim of raising 2,000 in sponsorship.

Last year, nine lunatics did the same and raised 1,100.

In addition, and as part of an unusual ambition to fill a pair of toddler's jeans with money, staff are being charged 1 to dress down for the day (a perk given all too freely in many City firms, we would suggest), while partners will make cups of tea or coffee for staff on the morning of 5 October in return for 20p per cup.