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BULLIES AT THE BEEB

Shock report reveals BBC staff lodged dozens of complaints of bullying last year

Annual report also reveals further allegations of sexual harassment, theft and fraud

Chris Evans

DOZENS of concerned BBC staff have officially complained about bullying and harassment at the corporation in the past 12 months, new figures reveal today.

The Beeb's annual report (2015/2016) show there were 40 alleged cases of bullying and harassment raised by workers during the last year.

Former Top Gear TV Presenter Jeremy Clarkson being interviewed by Chris Evans outside the BBC Studios with some classic cars - London
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Both Chris Evans and Jeremy Clarkson have been accused of bullying in the pastCredit: Splash News
Clarkson discrimination case
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Oisin Tymon the Top Gear producer infamously punched by ClarksonCredit: PA:Press Association

The document also reveals one case of sexual harassment and 31 further complaints raised by whistleblowers reporting allegations of theft and fraud.

The news follows Dame Janet Smith’s review of BBC culture and practices in the years when Jimmy Savile and Stuart Hall were left to carry out sick campaigns of sexual abuse while working for the BBC.

Only four of the latest complaints were upheld with action taken, reports the .

Five were withdrawn, eight are ongoing and in 24 cases, the complaints were investigated but not upheld.

Complaints of bullying at the BBC made headlines last year when Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson punched a producer on the motoring show in a petty row at a hotel.

Clarkson was quickly suspended following the food “fracas” with Oisin Tymon.

BBC director-general Tony Hall then announced Clarkson’s contract would not be renewed, saying “a line has been crossed”.

And earlier this year, Chris Evans’ ex sidekick slammed the BBC over their failure to investigate claims Evans had been bullying staff.

John Revell has known the Radio 2 DJ for nearly 30 years and claims he “knows for a fact” there is a paper trail of complaints against Evans inside the corporation.

There is absolutely no suggestion either Clarkson or Evans are among those mentioned in the cases reported in today's annual report.

The figures actually show a fall in bullying and harassment cases, with 88 complaints in 2013/14 and 47 the following year.

The Andrew Marr Show
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Director-General of the BBC Tony Hall said it had ";taken a hard look at what we do"Credit: PA:Press Association
BBC report
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The number of complaints about bullying is actually down on last yearCredit: PA:Press Association

Today’s report highlighted BBC staff’s use of its independent helpline, saying: “The majority of the calls ... concern use of inappropriate language and after being given advice about how to raise this with the perpetrator, the issue is resolved.”

In the report, Mr Hall said the BBC had “taken a hard look at what we do, how we do it and how it could be done better”.

He added: “Our final response to Dame Janet’s review will be published later in the year, but that will not be the end of the process — lessons will continue to be learned, processes improved and protections strengthened.

"This is the only way we can ensure we rebuild the trust and faith of those we failed.”


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