Post by Teddy Bear on Nov 4, 2007 19:51:35 GMT
While far from the most serious behaviour idiosyncrasies of BBC staff, the following article details a few of the complaints received at a BBC canteen from the staff. Just thinking about these 'types' and their biased look at the world that we've come to know and despise, and the nature of their complaints when it comes to filling their stomachs, gives another perspective to judge them by.
Amid job cuts, BBC meals come with whine
By Chris Hastings, Arts and Media Editor
Last Updated: 2:14am GMT 04/11/2007
They may be powerless in the face of budget cuts and job losses, but BBC staff are not to be trifled with when it comes to their stomachs.
The corporation's whinging workers are receiving written apologies – and even compensation – for the most minor lapses in canteen standards.
One employee was given a £10 voucher after he had to wait 19 minutes for a jacket potato, another was offered a free lunch after receiving a "dirty look" from a waitress and a third complaint that a cappuccino had been made with "scolded" milk led to the BBC retraining staff.
BBC canteen managers were also obliged to ensure that "cream layers be added to all trifles from now on" after a member of staff highlighted the lack of layers.
Meanwhile, another worker was invited to a "fish tasting" session after complaining that the fish and chips on offer were not up to the standards of the famous fryer Harry Ramsden.
The complaints and responses to them are detailed in documents compiled by BBC catering managers at the corporation's £300 million Media Village complex in White City, west London, which is home to more than 6,000 staff.
The files, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, provide an insight into the unique tastes and demands of BBC employees.
For example, foie gras is a regular on menus, despite complaints that it should be removed on ethical grounds.
Staff can also be rather demanding when it comes to the service on offer. Some complained about the damaging effect of polystyrene containers and plastic cutlery on the environment.
Another was more concerned about the disappearance of multi-grain baguettes.
A Thai red curry was described as "a totally tasteless experience" by one employee, while another lodged a written complaint because toast was not available in the afternoon. Even though some of the BBC's best-paid employees are based at the complex, the cost of the food also appears to be a bone of contention.
Some staff found the pricing on sandwiches difficult to follow, another was upset at having to pay 38p for a slice of bread and a third complained about the nine per cent rise in the cost of a bacon butty.
Vegetarians fare little better, it seems.
One wrote: "I've tried the veggie burger three times, every time it's cooked into a hockey puck."
A spokesman for the BBC said catering was outsourced to a contractor.
She added: "BBC policy in recent years has been to reduce and end the subsidy on catering in our buildings in order that as much licence-payers' money as possible is devoted to programme making."
By Chris Hastings, Arts and Media Editor
Last Updated: 2:14am GMT 04/11/2007
They may be powerless in the face of budget cuts and job losses, but BBC staff are not to be trifled with when it comes to their stomachs.
The corporation's whinging workers are receiving written apologies – and even compensation – for the most minor lapses in canteen standards.
One employee was given a £10 voucher after he had to wait 19 minutes for a jacket potato, another was offered a free lunch after receiving a "dirty look" from a waitress and a third complaint that a cappuccino had been made with "scolded" milk led to the BBC retraining staff.
BBC canteen managers were also obliged to ensure that "cream layers be added to all trifles from now on" after a member of staff highlighted the lack of layers.
Meanwhile, another worker was invited to a "fish tasting" session after complaining that the fish and chips on offer were not up to the standards of the famous fryer Harry Ramsden.
The complaints and responses to them are detailed in documents compiled by BBC catering managers at the corporation's £300 million Media Village complex in White City, west London, which is home to more than 6,000 staff.
The files, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, provide an insight into the unique tastes and demands of BBC employees.
For example, foie gras is a regular on menus, despite complaints that it should be removed on ethical grounds.
Staff can also be rather demanding when it comes to the service on offer. Some complained about the damaging effect of polystyrene containers and plastic cutlery on the environment.
Another was more concerned about the disappearance of multi-grain baguettes.
A Thai red curry was described as "a totally tasteless experience" by one employee, while another lodged a written complaint because toast was not available in the afternoon. Even though some of the BBC's best-paid employees are based at the complex, the cost of the food also appears to be a bone of contention.
Some staff found the pricing on sandwiches difficult to follow, another was upset at having to pay 38p for a slice of bread and a third complained about the nine per cent rise in the cost of a bacon butty.
Vegetarians fare little better, it seems.
One wrote: "I've tried the veggie burger three times, every time it's cooked into a hockey puck."
A spokesman for the BBC said catering was outsourced to a contractor.
She added: "BBC policy in recent years has been to reduce and end the subsidy on catering in our buildings in order that as much licence-payers' money as possible is devoted to programme making."