BBC News | UK | Giles walks off into sunset

UK Contents: Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales |

BBC News Online: UK

Sunday, 9 January, 2000, 19:28 GMT

Giles walks off into sunset

Weatherman Bill Giles is to step down from his job as head of the BBC's forecasting team when his contract expires at the end of January.

The announcement by the Meteorological Office comes only six weeks after Mr Giles was cleared of bullying some members of his staff.

The veteran broadcaster is likely to take up a new consultancy post, coaching trainee forecasters, among other responsibilities, said a Met Office spokesman said.

The 60-year-old was embroiled last year in allegations of bullying by two other forecasters, David Lee and Richard Edgar.

He was eventually cleared, after an appeal in the case of Mr Edgar.

A Met Office spokesman said: "He recently passed retirement age for a civil servant and will cease to be head of the BBC team when his contract ends at the end of this month.

Bullying allegations

"He is likely to be brought back as a consultant beyond retirement age.

"It would be unusual if he stayed in his current job beyond retirement age."

Mr Lee and Mr Edgar have both returned to work in the last few days after being on sick leave while the bullying allegations were investigated.

The spokesman said: "They are currently not working in the BBC Weather Centre but at other Met Offices, but are expected to return there in the spring.

"If Mr Giles stays on as a consultant they are likely to cross paths in the future. They have all known each other a long time and we hope they will be professional about how they get along."

Related to this story:
Giles wins bullying case (26 Nov 99 | UK)
Giles in weather centre storm (09 Nov 99 | Entertainment)

Internet Links: BBC Weather Centre Met Office
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

UK Contents: Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales |