[matthieu1221]

Not that anyone other than the courts can determine IR35 status, GL is fighting HMRC’s assessment of his status and should he be found to be inside IR35 then it would not only cost him but also the BBC which is why it is extremely unlikely for them to say anything other than he is outside IR35.

If he loses then they’re liable to pay years’ worth of national insurance contributions for GL and he would in fact be entitled to several years worth of holiday pay and other benefits provided to BBC staff.

So careful what you wish for.

I wish for someone paid millions of tax payers money to pay what is legally appropriate and - given his moral positions on others activities - morally due. 

I also wish BBC workers were treated consistently,  rather than privileges for a few.

This situation does highlight the fact BBC Sport needs a proper review. Does it do anything that can't be done in the open market?  Should it be paying commercial businesses fees for rights in a marketplace? Maybe for little wanted local sports rights,  but top flight Football  Rugby,  Cricket, Tennis?

(Responding to the last paragraph)

Oh dear, we're now calling for a review to punish the entire Sports team are we?

Fact is, EVERY SINGLE PART of what BBC does could be done by the open market. Just that the BBC can in theory do it without external interference which a commercial channel may not be able to for various reasons. Unfortunately the government hasn't taken it upon itself to in effect interfere with the BBC leading to all this.