Strike threat at BBC after 35 posts set for the axe

BBC bosses faced the threat of strike action last night after it was announced 35 jobs across Scotland had been earmarked for redundancy.

It was reported yesterday that the posts facing the axe comprised 17 from news and current affairs, eight from radio, six from marketing and communications, two from new media and two from the Gaelic department.

They are part of £16.1 million of cuts announced last year.

Last night, Peter Murray, national executive representative for the National Union of Journalists Scotland, said: “The bottom line is that if staff are faced with compulsory redundancy we will ballot for industrial action. It is difficult to see how they could bring in these cuts in news without doing it that way.

“There is a real mood of despondency among the staff.”

In an e-mail sent to staff yesterday, Ken MacQuarrie, director of BBC Scotland, confirmed the proposed job cuts.

Mr MacQuarrie wrote: “I don’t underestimate how hard it is to achieve these savings plans and how difficult it is for those facing the prospect of losing their jobs. I would, however, like to underline our track record of success in delivering great content to our audiences and of significant investment in BBC Scotland over recent years.

“Our aim remains to provide high quality and distinctive programmes, content and services for audiences in Scotland.”

No-one from the BBC was available for comment last night.