In 2017, the BBC employed Price Waterhouse Cooper and Eversheds Sutherland to conduct an equal pay audit. Their work was reviewed and endorsed by Sir Patrick. Sadly, it didn't include on-air contract and freelance staff.
On-air 'talent' pay was reviewed in 2018 by PWC, and it is unlikely that BBC counsel will draw the attention of the tribunal to its basic finding...
"We have found that the BBC has a set of pay arrangements for this group which lack a consistent
evaluation and governance framework. This is not uncommon for a highly skilled and diverse group of this type, but it falls below the high standards that the BBC sets for itself and which the licence fee paying public expect.
As a result of this lack of consistent framework, the BBC’s approach to pay for this group has historically lacked rigour and this has resulted in anomalies for both men and women. We believe the BBC should act quickly to correct these. This is likely to involve reducing the pay of some and increasing the pay of others."
PWC endorsed new grades for on-air presenters. The top level was F, and, from evidence, it looks like Samira was put in E. But it's entirely possible that Jeremy Vine, working outside News, was not evaluated or placed in the same review - which the Tribunal won't like.
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