BBC cuts one year on
The scene at TV Centre during strike action on 23 May 2005.
One year on from the announcement of major cuts at the BBC, talks are still going on in areas facing change.
In some cases the unions are having to fight hard to avoid compulsory redundancies.
Within the last month another wave of change has been unleashed, with plans for a savage downsizing in Finance, the uprooting of Research Department, and widespread job losses in World Service.
The latest round of savings underlines the BBC's determination to be seen to act tough on costs while the future of its licence fee is being discussed.
In broad terms, the commitments made by the BBC at ACAS in June this year have been honoured - managers have been prepared to discuss alternatives to compulsory redundancy, and no move has been made to sell BBC Resources.
Several divisions are still threatening compulsory redundancies - albeit on a much lower scale than feared - and no agreement has been reached about multi-skilling in Radio or the outsourcing of sections within BBC People.
Events over the coming months will depend on the summit meeting planned with Mark Thompson, where unions will be pressing for the threat of compulsory redundancy to be eliminated where it still exists.
Under the terms of the ACAS deal, unions could choose to reactivate the strike ballot that led to action on 23 May if they are unable to reach agreement with the Dirfector General Mark Thompson.
Value for money talks - round-up
Factual & Learning
Despite being over-subscribed by volunteers in some areas, management are threatening to impose compulsory redundancies in DC&F department and in the interactive section iF&L. Up to 48 staff are at risk of compulsory dismissal which has led to a dispute in the area.
BBC People
No members appear to be threatened with compulsory redundancy, however an out sourcing exercise has still not been agreed. Sections causing most controversy in the outsourcing talks include Engineering Training and Occupational Health. Unions have met three companies bidding for the outsourced contract, but no staff guarantees have been tabled yet. Issues will be raised with Mark Thompson.
Scotland
Management are currently considering whether "out of scope" volunteers in areas without cuts can be released in order to avoid up to 50 compulsory redundancies. A further meeting is due in the second week of January.
DEC
In Drama, Entertainment and Childrens' problems have occurred in Drama Production Management, where some staff have effectively had to apply for their own jobs. In spite of being oversubscribed by volunteers overall, up to 4 staff could still face compulsory redundancy - this issue is now in dispute.
Finance
Devastating cuts were announced last month, reducing the workforce from 650 to 260. Additionally, 40-50 of them could be out-sourced in 2007/8. Most survivors would be based in a new Cardiff finance centre, but management have said they will not impose long-distance moves on staff. Unions have been warned there is little scope for resettlement inside the BBC. Although costs of finance have been halved since 1997, the BBC is aiming to reduce finance spend even more from 2% to 1% of turnover.
New Media
In New Media Central up to 4 staff could face compulsory redundancy.
3 January 2006
