· News

NUJ calls BBC to account post-Savile

In the light of the Jimmy Savile enquiries, The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on all of its members to report cases of sexism and sexual harassment to its general secretary, Michelle Stanistreet.

Stanistreet said: "We wrote to all our women members earlier this year and we have now contacted our members about the inquiries launched at the BBC.

"The union will be submitting evidence to the BBC in the same way as we did to Lord Justice Leveson and we want to ensure the voices and experiences of working journalists at the BBC are clearly expressed."

A spokesperson at the NUJ, today told HR magazine: "So far, reports of harassment have been coming through in dribs and drabs."

Reported today The BBC has been warned it faces a series of high-profile claims of sexual harassment and bullying from existing female employees, says The Independent.

Lucy Adams, the BBC's director of HR, has been told that 'several cases' being brought against the BBC are: "an immediate, ongoing and serious indictment in management's cavalier attitude to harassment."

An email written by the NUJ branch chair at the BBC, David Campanale to Adams and seen by The Independent stated: "The evidence is that some managers violate clear, unambiguous BBC principles on the issue.

"If, or when, these cases become public through their current processes they will further reflect badly on the BBC," said Campanale.

Stanistreet added: "Most people find it difficult to come forward and speak openly about bullying and harassment, particularly if they were not properly listened to at the time, or if they felt under pressure not to put on record their complaints."