BBC strike averted in all-night talks

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Times Online

Dan Sabbagh

A shutdown at the BBC was averted after through-the-night talks with unions ended in an agreement over how to handle the loss of 2,500 jobs at the broadcaster.

The BBC will avoid making any compulsory redundancies initially, with unions hoping that enough volunteers can be found to make cuts required by a lower than expected licence fee settlement.

Jeremy Dear, the general secretary of the National Union of Journalists said: “We’re pleased the imminent threat of compulsory redundancies has been addressed.”

However, the BBC said that it reserved the right to dismiss employees if needed to meet financial targets — which could still provoke a strike if no way can be found around the issue in detailed talks that will continue until March.


Read more: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article3240955.ece