It represents a significant ratcheting up of a dispute over the protractedBBC Newschannel restructure.

Some were offered a correspondent/presenter role, though this is considered a demotion for the experienced anchors.

In February, McVeigh and Guru-Murthy landed a Chief Presenter post after vacancies opened up.

BBC News presenters Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh

From left to right: Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh.BBC

They returned to the air in recent weeks.

He said the corporation was working towards a fair resolution for the women.

I recognize that it has been going on for some time, Davie said.

Hannah Fry

From left to right: Kasia Madera, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone, Martine Croxall.Martine Croxall/Twitter

The BBC declined to comment.