The BBC has agreed a settlement with four of its female broadcast news presenters in relation to employment claims including age and sex discrimination. Presenters Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera and Annita McVeigh launched an employment tribunal against the BBC which was due to start next week, but will now not go ahead following the settlement.

In reaching a resolution there was no acceptance of liability by the corporation. Ms Croxall, Ms McVeigh and Ms Madera alleged discrimination on the grounds of age, sex, being a union member and wages, while Ms Giannone had alleged discrimination based on age, sex and wages. Ms Croxall, who has worked for the BBC since October 1991, has been a chief presenter with the BBC News Channel and BBC World News since 2001.

She has also appeared on One network news bulletins.

Since March 2012, Ms Madera has been a chief presenter with the BBC News Channel and BBC World News and also appeared on BBC1 network news bulletins.

Ms McVeigh, who has worked for the BBC since October 1995, has been a chief presenter with the BBC News Channel and BBC World News, since 2006.

She has also appeared on BBC network news.

Ms Giannone started working for the BBC in January 2005.

She became a permanent staff member in April 2008 and has been a chief presenter on BBC World News and the BBC News Channel.

A statement from four said: "We can confirm that we have reached a resolution with BBC management that avoids the need for a tribunal hearing in respect of our employment-related claims.

"A protracted process lasting almost three years is now over.

"We've been deeply moved by the support we've received."

The exact size of the settlement has not been confirmed.

Express.co.uk has approached the for comment.