NUJ demo over 650 job cuts at World Service

The NUJ held a demo outside Bush House in London today to protest at plans to cut up to 650 jobs at the World Service.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear (centre) claimed the cuts, which would reduce staff numbers by around 25 per cent, would do irreparable damage to the World Service and hit news services across the BBC.

He said: "The diversity of staff and their presence in so many key locations around the world contributes to making the BBC World Service the leading voice in international broadcasting. At its best the World Service can challenge corruption, expose human rights abuses and promote democratic values."

• The NUJ says journalists at the BBC World Service have welcomed the decision of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee to hold an inquiry into the planned cuts in jobs and services.

Pics: Jon Slattery