Four BBC news presenters – Martine Croxall, Kasia Madera, Annita McVeigh, and Karin Giannone – are appealing an Employment Tribunal ruling that barred them from pursuing new equal pay claims against the broadcaster.
The claimants assert they have faced significant pay disparities compared to male counterparts, in a dispute that dates back over a decade. Martine Croxall and Annita McVeigh settled an equal pay claim with the BBC in 2014, but they allege that discriminatory practices have since persisted.
In 2019, the four presenters initiated further equal pay claims. By 2020, they entered into settlement agreements with the BBC, which they argue only addressed historical pay inequities. Despite the settlements, the journalists allege they have continued to be paid less than their male colleagues since 2020, leading them to pursue additional legal action.
Employment Tribunal Decision
In May 2024, the Employment Tribunal ruled against the journalists, finding that the 2020 settlement agreements barred them from pursuing fresh claims. The Tribunal held that the new proceedings arose from the same facts and cause of action as the earlier claims. As such, the matter was deemed legally settled and could not be reopened.
Supported by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the claimants are challenging the Tribunal’s decision at the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Represented by Thompsons Solicitors and Claire Darwin KC of Matrix Chambers, they argue that the settlements were limited to past pay discrepancies and should not prevent claims addressing pay practices from 2020 onwards.
The outcome of the appeal will be closely monitored, as it could have significant implications for equal pay disputes and the interpretation of settlement agreements in employment law.
Neil Todd, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors representing the four journalists, said, “The appeal raises important questions about how out-of-court settlements can cover future unlawful actions. In our view, the agreements that sought to do this in this instance are unenforceable as a matter of law.”
Michelle Stanistreet, General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) also commented, “The NUJ is deeply concerned by the Tribunal ruling blocking our members pursuing their claims. We do not accept the premise that continued instances of pay discrimination can be given a free pass in this way, and look forward to making this case in the Employment Appeal Tribunal.”
