TV could be hit by journalists’ walk-out over festive period

Published on 17/11/2012 00:00

BBC journalists are to be balloted on strikes over job cuts, raising the threat of action over the festive season.

The National Union of Journalists said the move was in protest over cuts at BBC Scotland, BBC News, the Asian Network and the World Service.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “There is an agreed system of redeployment which is not being honoured. We are fighting for jobs and quality journalism.

“Recent events have proved that journalism needs to be properly resourced. The BBC needs to take the opportunity to halt the assault on front-line journalism and put in place measures to shore up news and current affairs before it is too late.”

Sue Harris, the NUJ’s broadcasting officer, said: “NUJ members at the BBC are facing an unprecedented threat to their jobs as a result of the BBC management’s licence fee deal of autumn of 2010 and the resulting Delivering Quality First initiative.”