Sir Alan still hired for Apprentice, says BBC

Sir Alan Sugar will continue on The Apprentice after the BBC decided his new role as a Government adviser would 'not compromise the BBC's impartiality', the corporation said. Questions had been raised about whether his new 'enterprise tsar' role could breach the corporation's impartiality rules. Sir Alan said: "I am passionate about business and enterprise and that has always been my motivation for wanting to take on this role. "I am glad that following detailed discussions, the BBC is satisfied that I will not be doing anything to affect its commitment to impartiality." In a statement the BBC said: "Following detailed discussions with Sir Alan Sugar, the BBC is satisfied that his new role as an Enterprise Champion to the Government will not compromise the BBC's impartiality or his ability to present The Apprentice. "Sir Alan is not going to be making policy for the Government nor does he have a duty to endorse Government policy. "Moreover, Sir Alan has agreed that he will suspend all public facing activity relating to this unpaid post in the lead up to and during any shows that he is presenting on the BBC." The sixth series of The Apprentice is expected to be broadcast in Spring 2010.