At least ten female BBC presenters are considering legal action against the corporation over its gender pay gap, led by Woman's Hour host Jane Garvey. The move follows the BBC's disclosure that only a third of its 96 top earners are women, with the top seven all men.
Garvey told The Daily Telegraph: 'This is the sisterhood in full flow. I've never been so busy on the phone.' She added that not a single male broadcaster has offered support. The group plans to demand equal wages or mount a joint lawsuit.
The pay disparity has also sparked fears that Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis may leave the BBC. She is reportedly furious that she earns less than £150,000 a year, while co-presenter Evan Davis earns up to £299,999. Channel 4, Sky and ITV have expressed interest in poaching her.
Meanwhile, BBC bosses are scrambling to retain talent. John Humphrys admitted taking a pay cut just before the salary list was published, and the BBC warned that many highly paid male stars will face reductions to close the gap. Alan Yentob, who earns up to £249,999 for his art series Imagine, has also come under scrutiny.
