NUJ says cuts mean BBC will 'never be same again'

The NUJ has strongly criticised the BBC’s plan to impose 20% cuts across the corporation with the loss of 2,000 jobs.

Among the areas under threat, claims the union, are news, local radio, regional current affairs and the Asian Network. It says that since 2004 more than 7,000 jobs have gone at the BBC – 1,000 every year.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary (top), said: “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.

“You cannot reduce budgets by 20% and pretend that the BBC will still be able to be a world class broadcaster. Quality journalism and programming is inevitably going to be diluted. If the BBC presses ahead with these changes strike action across the corporation seems inevitable.”

"On top of this, new joiners to the BBC will be expected to work for substantially lower salaries, no UPA or flexibility allowance and no rewards for loyal service. This is a clear decision to operate a two-tier workforce and move towards the lowest common denominator in the industry."

The NUJ is calling for the licence fee deal to be re-opened and a public debate to take place about BBC funding, "especially given what has since emerged about the close relationship between the government and Rupert Murdoch at the time the deal was done".

Pic: Jon Slattery