The BBC has agreed a settlement with four of its female news presenters over employment tribunal claims including age and sex discrimination, Sky News understands.
Presenters Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera and Martine Croxall launched an employment tribunal against the BBC, which was due to start next week.
Ms McVeigh, Ms Croxall and Ms Madera alleged discrimination on the grounds of age, sex, being a union member and wages, while Ms Giannone alleged discrimination based on age, sex and wages.
It is understood the settlement has been reached with no admission of liability, and a three-week tribunal to hear the presenters’ claims will now not go ahead.
In a statement, the presenters said: “We can confirm that we have reached a resolution with BBC management that avoids the need for a tribunal hearing in respect of our employment-related claims.
“A protracted process lasting almost three years is now over. We’ve been deeply moved by the support we’ve received.
“We look forward to contributing further to the success of BBC News, especially to live programming and the growing streaming services that are so important to our audiences.”
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A BBC spokesperson said: “After careful consideration we have a reached a resolution which brings to an end protracted legal proceedings with four members of staff and avoids further costs for the BBC.
“In doing so we have not accepted any liability or any of the arguments made against the BBC. We are simply bringing to a close all of the actions brought against us so that all involved can move forward.
“The BBC successfully launched a single BBC News channel in 2023, bringing the best live and breaking news on TV and online both here and around the world.
“We welcome this opportunity to now look to the future, and to work together on delivering for our audiences – which is our first priority.”
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Ms McVeigh has worked for the BBC since October 1995 and has been a chief presenter with the BBC News Channel and BBC World News since 2006, and has appeared on BBC network news.
Ms Giannone started working for the BBC in January 2005 and became a permanent member of staff in April 2008. She has been a chief presenter on the BBC World News and the BBC News Channel.
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Ms Madera has been chief presenter with the BBC News Channel and BBC World News since March 2012 and also appeared on BBC1 network news bulletins.
Ms Croxall has worked for the BBC since October 1991 and served as a chief presenter with the BBC News Channel and BBC World News since 2001, while also appearing on BBC One network news bulletins.
