A year ago we reported that up to 30 female employees were preparing to sue the BBC alleging sexism and age discrimination. We quoted the BBC director-general as conceding that there were “manifestly too few older women broadcasting on the BBC.” 

We have now learned that more than 850 BBC employees have come forward alleging bullying and sexual harassment at the BBC, and that a senior BBC executive has been accused of bullying by more than 20 employees.

After last year’s allegations and other claims lodged by employees of “routine groping,” a review by a human rights lawyer was ordered in which BBC employees were assured anonymity if they reported incidents of harassment.

The BBC’s director of human resources said that some of the testimony is “uncomfortable to hear,” and a spokesman said that ‘We have recognised the need to take a serious and thorough look at the issues of sexual harassment and bullying.”