Fresh ageism row for the BBC after four axed senior journalists lodge discrimination claims
Their separate — but coordinated — discrimination claims come as the broadcaster merges its home and foreign newsdesks.
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Bosses hope slashing 130 jobs will help save £700million.
But the four, said to have worked in warzones and the aftermath of terror attacks, fear they have been earmarked for compulsory redundancy.
Their move follows a group of BBC News presenters going to an employment tribunal over ageism allegations.
Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh settled their three-year dispute in March, with the terms not disclosed.
The latest cases involve employees aged over 50 and thought to have more than 100 years of experience between them.
Sources said they believe the process of applying for the new jobs concentrates only on their work over the past two years — and so is weighted towards younger candidates.
Marks were also said to be deducted if applicants failed to mention keywords such as 'digital' or 'live page'.
It is reported one of the individuals is a representative of the National Union of Journalists, which has hit out at the compulsory redundancies.
Last night, the BBC said: 'Restructuring in BBC News is taking place according to established BBC policies.
'We conduct all processes in a thorough and fair manner, and we are committed to supporting our staff throughout, including through comprehensive redeployment assistance.'
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