Wonga

The BBC's new HR Director, Valerie Hughes-D'Aeth, has been awarded a salary of £295,000 p.a. - some £38k less than her predecessor, Lucy Adams, but still a substantial whack - matching, for example, bearded thinker James Purnell.  Reed, supplier of lower rank temps to the BBC, currently estimate the average salary of an HR Director across the UK at £72k, down nearly £20k on a year ago.

Matthew Postgate, new Chief Technology Officer, is rewarded at a hefty discount to his predecessor. At £232,500 p.a., he's £55k down on John Linwood.

Do you remember we noticed that Kate Harwood, Head of (TV) Drama was been replaced by three people, back in July, and speculated that this might not be cheaper than Kate's £209k package ? Well, we now have Hilary Salmon, Head of Drama England, on £160k; Faith Penhale, Head of Drama Wales, on £194,800; and Hilary Martin, Head of Drama, North, salary undisclosed.

Meanwhile, in the latest quarterly disclosure of expenses, there are some recurring favourites. Northern Ireland Director Peter Johnston still haunts a number of mid-range eateries in London - Grand Indian, St Martin's Lane, Thai Square (x 2), Giaconda, Giraffe and Iberica (set menu). Commercial Director Bal Samra managed £1,590.72 on taxis; Alan Yentob a mere £763.17.