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BECTU contacts Ascent Media about Salford

Writing on 24 July to Mr Jose Royo, chief executive officer of Ascent Media, Gerry Morrissey said:

"I am aware that Ascent Media is in negotiation on a number of contracts relating to the Media Centre in Salford.  One of the contracts, I believe, that is under discussion will be the future provision of Studio Facilities and  Post Production.

"My members, who are employed by both BBC Post Production and Facilities and 3sixtymedia, will have a keen interest in who will undertake this work."

Whilst ITV plc's attitude to relocation to Media City  remains to be settled, the BBC is making plans to relocate its Childrens' and Sports production departments  to the new Salford complex.

3sixtymedia is majority owned by ITV plc.

TUPE regulations

BECTU has already confirmed to the BBC at senior level, and to managers within BBC Post-Production and Facilties, that in the event that an alternative provider of programme resources is chosen for Media City, that the law which protects staff employment in such circumstances, know as TUPE, would apply.  

In April this year, Peter Salmon, director designate of BBC North, whose new home will be at Media City, spoke of his desire to work with the recognised unions to ensure that staff are 'at the heart' of the Salford venture. 

Ascent Media owns Soho Images with whom BECTU has a recognition agreement. BECTU also assists members employed by other Ascent Media companies.