The national broadcaster paid nearly £1.5 million of licence fee money in the 2024 to 2025 financial year to settle 31 staff disputes, bringing the total spent on such agreements to £5 million over five years. The payments were made to avoid potentially damaging employment tribunals, according to figures released through a Freedom of Information request.

Among those who received settlements was producer Natalie Morton, who said she was bullied into working in Syria where she was almost killed. The broadcaster denied liability but agreed to pay her £40,000 plus legal costs. Former China editor Carrie Gracie also received back pay after raising concerns about unequal pay, which she later donated to charity.

The payouts come amid a series of recent controversies and leadership changes at the organisation, including the resignation of its previous director-general and the appointment of a former technology executive as his successor. A spokesperson said the broadcaster seeks to resolve disputes swiftly and fairly while remaining mindful of how it spends public money, noting that severance payments are capped at £150,000.