The BBC is investigating 25 cases of alleged sexual harassment after the Harvey Weinstein scandal prompted a “spike” in employees coming forward with complaints. The cases include that of George Riley, the Radio 5 Live presenter who has been suspended after a number of women complained about his behaviour.

Stories about Weinstein’s behaviour led to the #metoo hashtag on social media, encouraging women to share their own experiences. Anne Bulford, deputy director-general of the BBC, told MPs: “You perhaps won’t be surprised to know we have a spike [in complaints] at present. We have more cases at present than we’ve seen over the past three years. “We’ve got 25 live cases at the moment, with a range of different issues coming through. I think we have to deal with the cases as they come up and encourage people to speak.”

She added: “After the Weinstein material was published, we reminded people again of the procedures. We have specialist people on staff to support people who come forward, in investigations or advising them of the options. “People feel more confident about what they can do, where they can go and where the helplines are.”

The BBC has hired Change Associates, a business consultancy, to ask staff about the culture within the BBC and to discuss any behaviour they deem to be unacceptable. The company was first hired to deal with the fallout from the Savile scandal.