BBC workers to down tools over job cuts

The National Union of Journalists stoppage on February 18 will hit the BBC's national and local TV and radio news broadcasts.

NUJ members will also roll out a work to rule that started in Scotland from this Friday.

The workers are demanding that the BBC abandons compulsory job losses and instead re-deploys staff.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said reps had been negotiating for months with BBC Scotland bosses to save nine colleagues' jobs when they discovered six fixed-term posts being externally advertised.

"The BBC is prepared to waste public money on needless redundancies rather than secure redeployment opportunities for those at risk," she said.

"This demonstrates the significant failures of some managers to uphold key aspects of the redeployment agreement, let alone the spirit of the deal.

Ms Stanistreet said she hoped "common sense prevails" during meetings with the BBC next week and strikes can be called off.

The job losses are part of the BBC's mis-named Delivering Quality First programme which will axe over 2,000 jobs.

In a letter to BBC NUJ members, Ms Stanistreet said: "As you know, your NUJ reps took a decision at their recent meeting to take industrial action.

"This follows the overwhelming vote by members to oppose compulsory redundancies by taking strike action if necessary.

"Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts by your NUJ representatives and officials, there remain a number of your colleagues at risk of being forced out of their jobs by the end of March."

Job losses are slated in BBC Scotland, the Asian Network, Newsbeat, News, Five Live, the Big Screens, the World Service and English Regions.

"That is why - once again - the NUJ is asking members to stand shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues facing the needless loss of their jobs and take action," said Ms Stanistreet.