Backlash over headmaster's strict uniform policy and local MP has called for an investigation into BBC NI sick days

Gregory Campbell MP has called for an investigation into BBC NI sick day total

Staff at BBC Northern Ireland took almost 5,000 days off sick - in the last year.

That's according to a Freedom of Information request obtained by the Belfast Telegraph.

It works out at an average of 7.9 - nearly eight days per employee.

It is also nearly double the UK average for the whole labour market - which, according to the Office for National Statistics, in 2014 stood at 4.4 days.

The BBC said its sickness absence had dropped by 14% in the last five years

Belfast City Council splash £40,000 on trips for staff and councillors. Is it worth it?

More than £40,000 of ratepayers' money has been spent by Belfast City Council putting its staff and councillors up in luxurious hotels around the world. The 5 star China World Hotel in Beijing and Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas were among those used according to the Belfast Telegraph. And over £30,000 alone has been spent on accommodation over the last 12 months for council officials.

Headmaster under fire over strict policy on school uniforms. Did he go too far?

Last week, a headmaster decided to put his foot down when it came to the subject of wearing the correct school uniform...

Including - No trendy shoes, short skirts, trainers, overt jewelry or general scruffiness!

The result was a full scale backlash from pupils and their parents at Hartsdown Academy in England.

Many accused the principal of taking the rules too far with some parents - removing their children from the school.

But is the headmaster right to enforce his strict policy?

'Too lazy' and 'Too fat'? Is the UK’s business community not reaching its full potential?

International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox was recently recorded describing some sectors of UK business is too lazy and too fat.

He was speaking at a 'Conservative Way Forward' event at the weekend.

But is he right? Is the business community not reaching its full potential?

Dozens of young people hospitalised after concert in Derry.

Doctors say dozens of young people attending the weekend MTV concert in Derry had to be treated in Altnagelvin Hospital. Thirty people were brought to A&E for drug and alcohol-conditions. People also were brought to hospital after being assaulted during and after the concert at Ebrington Square.

Would you fancy snuggling up to a stranger? Belfast held its first Cuddle Party over the weekend

Would you fancy snuggling up to a stranger? Over the weekend a group of strangers came together in Belfast to enjoy an unusual party where they were encouraged to touch, cuddle and spoon together.