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There's clearly some tension in the BBC Operations department, evidenced by an exchange of letters in the virtual columns of staff organ Ariel.  One Clare Hoban, a solicitor supporting the editorial teams, finds it "extraordinary... that the BBC has the audacity to ask staff to volunteer to work for free during the Olympics". 

A recent message went out saying there were opportunities for 500 volunteers, in roles such as receptionist, guest greeter, runner or tape logger - but warned there would be no expenses, never mind pay, and staff would have to work out-of-hours or take leave.

Caroline Prendergast, Skills and HR Director, London 2012 replies thus "The range of volunteering opportunities on offer have been assessed by my team as those that would be useful and practical additional help to the running of a BBC production or event and, therefore, are in no way intended to replace essential BBC 2012 roles."

When does a task move from "useful" and "practical", to "essential" ? If there are no volunteers, will guests go ungreeted, and tapes unlogged ?