How many BBC staff does it take to change a lightbulb?

Just the one, it seems - but it must be a safety accredited workman called out at £10 a visit.

The corporation's stringent health and safety regulations apparently ban the average employee from performing the simple task themselves.

The ludicrous process was brought to light by a staff member in the BBC's in-house magazine, Ariel.

"I called up to ask for a new lightbulb for my desk lamp and was told this would cost £10," said Louise Wordsworth, a learning project manager.

"On telling them I'd buy and replace the bulb myself (bought for the bargain price of £1 for two bulbs) I was told that it was against health and safety regulations."

The corporation has faced criticism for its complicated internal-market system, first introduced in the 1990s by then-director general John Birt.

Under the system, internal jobs such as changing a lightbulb or fixing a computer are outsourced to separate departments-which then issue invoices accordingly.