BBC staff in spending cuts protest
Thousands of BBC staff will today join protests over spending cuts and the threatened loss of thousands of jobs.
Journalists, technicians and administrative staff will join meetings across the UK where union officials will outline the effect of planned budget savings.
The broadcasting workers’ union Bectu, the National Union of Journalists and Amicus have all pledged to fight any compulsory redundancies and to resist any plans to privatise the corporation.
Union officials have warned that cuts of up to 50% could hit some BBC departments even though no formal plans have been announced.
Director general Mark Thompson announced last year that the BBC would make spending cuts and relocate departments out of London.
Thousands of protest badges have been distributed to BBC employees to mark today’s day of action.
Unions said the protest was timed to coincide with publication of the Government Green Paper on the BBC’s future.
