The BBC plans to cut 2,000 posts and make significant changes to workers’ terms and conditions as part of its “Delivering Quality First” review.
The plan, which was announced on 6 October, is the latest in a long line of attacks from BBC bosses. According to the National Union of Journalists, 7,000 jobs have already been axed at the BBC since 2004.
The latest round of cuts involves a 20% cut over five years, with between 700-800 of the jobs on the chopping block coming from BBC News.
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet commented: “This is a watershed moment in the BBC’s history — the reality is that the BBC will not be the same organisation if these cuts go ahead.”
The union also warned of the impact on other media industry workers reliant on the BBC for work.
Technical staff, as well as journalists, will also be hit.
Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of BECTU (which organises technical staff at the BBC), says, “I believe we will see strike action at the BBC before Christmas” unless bosses backed down on the cuts plan.
