A journalist who challenged the BBC on grounds of discrimination and harassment has lodged an appeal, after her case was thrown out by an Employment Tribunal.
Miss Sally Chidzoy, an award-winning reporter known for her involvement on the BBC’s Look East programme, produced a 55-page statement to an Employment Tribunal in February, claiming that she was subjected to a catalogue of abuse and harassment at work.
The 56-year-old made several serious allegations against the BBC, including that that she had been ‘falsely imprisoned’ in an ‘ambush meeting’ and subjected to derogatory and sexist remarks.
She also alleged that her manager was acting as a ‘press spokesperson’ for a Cambridge charity funded by the Chinese Government – which, during her term of employment, she was investigating for a report. She added that she was concerned about the level of influence that a certain North Norfolk MP was exerting on the BBC.
Despite the magnitude of the allegations made, the case was struck out by the Tribunal after the BBC’s legal team argued that she had been spotted speaking to weekly newspaper Cambs Times during an adjournment.
Miss Chidzoy argued that Cambs Times reporter Sarah Cliss was a longstanding friend whom she had “known for years” and that her conversation with the journalist was strictly an exchange of pleasantries.
However, Judge Ord ruled that it “stretched the bounds of credulity” to believe that the two writers were not discussing the finer details of Ms Chidzoy’s ongoing case.
Commenting on the journalist’s decision to launch an appeal against the ruling, a BBC spokesperson said: “We are aware there has been an appeal of the Tribunal’s decision and are waiting to hear the outcome of the appeal”.
Carter Lemon Camerons LLP solicitors is a City law firm which provides legal services with a personal touch covering the full range of litigation issues, including employment disputes. For more information about our services, please contact Kate Boguslawska or Andrew Firman or telephone: 020 7406 1000.
