Carnal knowledge

The BBC staff magazine Ariel - now flickering on as an online-only operation - may regret having complained about a dearth of readers' letters.

Radio Five Live senior journalist Steve Blears, after some debate with his line manager, has asked for clarification on the BBC's stance on employees who fail to acquire a tv licence, and, separately, if engaging in sex in the office will result in dismissal (if discovered, presumably).

The question falls to Rachel Currie, director of Employment BBC People, who replies thus: "Can a member of BBC staff be sacked for not having a TV licence or for having sex on the premises? We have been discussing your question in the office and we think your line manager is right; we think the BBC once required staff to have a TV licence as a condition of employment but that is no longer the case. BBC staff are treated the same as members of the public if they do not pay their TV Licence. If you are required to pay a TV licence and don't, then you could risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1000 by TV Licensing. We are less sure that there was ever a 'Sex on the Premises' policy. I would have thought our new open plan offices and glass fronted meeting rooms would be a sufficient deterrent these days for all but the most adventurous."