Rigged recruitment claim by four female staff settled by BBC

Four female news presenters have reached a last-minute settlement with the BBC over claims they were the victims of a "rigged" recruitment process.

- Michael Savage

Martine Croxall, Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone and Kasia Madera claimed they lost their positions on the BBC News channel as a result of the recruitment exercise, with their claims involving age and sex discrimination.

The BBC has always said the application process was "rigorous and fair". A settlement has now been reached with no admission of liability from the corporation. A three-week tribunal had been due to begin on Monday, but will now not take place.

The four women, who all remain at the corporation, said in a statement: "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.