Bectu responds to BBC News channel changes, job cuts

Responding to reports of 70 BBC staff facing the sack as part of plans to merge BBC News and BBC World, Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: 

“We welcome the BBC’s commitment to step up to the challenges of a changing media landscape and build a digital-first corporation, but once again we see the devastating impact of the Government’s poorly-judged political decisions on workers. Its decision to freeze the licence fee has necessitated these job cuts, which will hit hugely talented and dedicated people who work hard to deliver critical services to the nation and beyond. 

“This is a very challenging and uncertain time for our members and we will continue to fully engage in these proposals to do everything we can to support them. We will be working to ensure that change is not cost cutting for the sake of it, but truly does position the BBC as strongly as possible for the future and delivers the best outcomes for members.”