Everyone agrees that Blue Planet 11 was fantastic!
But we’re not talking about their TV programmes. We’re interested in following the BBC’s progress (or lack of it) towards equal pay.
To be honest, things are changing so fast that it’s tricky to keep up with what’s going on.
At the time of writing…
On Tuesday, Carrie Gracie resigned as the BBC’s China editor due to unequal pay.
More than 130 BBC women expressed their support for her, including leading presenters Gabby Logan, Clare Balding, Emily Maitlis and Kirsty Wark.
Their statement claimed that more than 200 BBC women have made pay complaints, with the NUJ handling over 120 of these cases.
Then, Winifred Robinson was taken off air. She usually presents the ‘You and Yours’ programme on Radio 4. However, she was prevented from broadcasting (due to impartiality issues) because she tweeted ‘Equal pay for equal work – it’s the law’. She returned to the show on Wednesday.
Other journalists who tweeted their support for Gracie have been blocked from presenting on-air segments relating to the pay row. This has led to accusations of censorship, and the irony of BBC reporters being unable to report on BBC news when the BBC *is* the news.
So what is the BBC doing?
It is reported that the BBC is cutting the salary of its male stars to create parity, for example, newsreader Huw Edwards has been asked to reduce his annual pay which is near £600,000.
Culture Secretary, Matt Hancock has told Auntie Beeb it ‘must act’, and Director-general Tony Hall has been called in to give MPs a progress report.
We can’t wait to see what happens next.
What does this mean for you?
Under the equality legislation, it is unlawful for an employee to receive a different rate of pay from someone of the opposite sex, if the two jobs are:
- The same or broadly similar
- The same grade following a job evaluation scheme
- Different but of equal value
As employment lawyers, we deal with equal pay claims all the time. Maybe we could help you with yours?
If you win, you will be entitled to receive up to six years’ back pay, and your contract will be modified to ensure you receive the higher rate of pay going forward.
Need help?
For a FREE assessment of your claim, call 0808 168 7288 or fill in the contact form on the top right of this page.
We have already helped thousands of people to win millions of pounds in compensation.
You have a choice of ways to pay, including ‘no win, no fee’.
We will also discuss the best methods of funding your case and seek to reach a solution that best suits your needs. This can involve a “no-win, no-fee” agreement if appropriate.