13 January 2009
BBC current affairs staff in Manchester were delighted to hear that they will not be subjected to a redundancy selection exercise.
The news, relayed before Christmas, followed a concerted effort by BECTU and NUJ representatives in support of the team.
“The existing Manchester team has a contribution to make, ensuring that the BBC’s move to Salford builds on the tradition for quality current affairs programming for which the team is renowned.”
Current Affairs suffered huge reductions under News’ Creative Futures plans, announced in 2007. Staffing levels were slashed to cover guaranteed in-house commitments only. Over 40 people left the department in the intervening year and in this latest round of cuts, there was determined opposition to compulsory redundancies.
Earlier in 2008 the joint unions fought off plans to select for redundancy amongst London-based staff; but last October, management suggested that selection might be imposed on the Manchester team.
BECTU and the NUJ again disputed the need for compulsory redundancies, not least in light of proposals to move large parts of BBC production to the North West in 2011.
The unions demanded that management find a way to bridge the gap between the current reduction in work and the Salford developments to avoid the loss of skilled production professionals who are both committed to the BBC and to the region.
Expressing satisfaction at the announcement, BECTU national official, Anna Murray, said “The BBC has made the right decision. Our members are delighted that their value has been recognised.”
“The existing Manchester team has a contribution to make, ensuring that the BBC’s move to Salford builds on the tradition for quality current affairs programming for which the team is renowned.” she concluded.
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