NUJ members outraged at BBC director-general's 'no-one is forcing you to stay' remark to staff

The NUJ says its members are outraged by remarks made by BBC director-general Mark Thompson to BBC staff in Belfast today.

The union claims he told them: "If you're really that unhappy, if you think that you can't do your best work here then leave - no-one is forcing you to stay."

Thompson’s comments came after the Delivering Quality First cuts announcement last week included 2,000 job losses and a series of proposals that the NUJ argues "risk irreparable" damage to the BBC.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “Mark Thompson showed his complete and utter contempt for his staff today. It shows just how little he values all the hardworking loyal and talented staff who are the lifeblood of the BBC’s work. It’s BBC staff who are standing up for quality journalism and for the future of the Corporation they are passionate about serving.

"For Mark Thompson to turn his ire on our members, at a time when the BBC is under unprecedented attack and needs strong leadership, calls into question his own position. Perhaps it’s about time he moved on – after all, no-one’s forcing him to stay.”