BECTU slams BBC executive pay

BECTU has criticised BBC executives who opted to take their annual bonuses in a year when some 2000 staff are losing their jobs.

Mark Thompson, BBC Director General, was alone in declining his bonus for 2007/8 according to the BBC’s annual report published today, 8 July 2008.

“Despite the substantial upheaval and upset which BBC staff have had to endure in the past year with the loss of almost 2000 jobs, it is astonishing that executive directors, who are already paid handsomely, should choose to take their bonuses” commented BECTU General Secretary Gerry Morrissey.

“Thousands of BBC staff are being forced into making life-changing decisions about their futures whilst the people at the top continue to feather their nests.” Mr Morrissey continued.

In assessing the BBC’s annual report, BECTU also questions whether the director-general’s defence of executive pay rises is justified given the 20% cut in BBC staff numbers since 2005.

Mark Thompson has argued that “benchmarking” and “additional work” justifies executive pay increases of up to £107,000.

“We have to ask whether these rises can be justified at a time when the BBC is losing a substantial number of jobs - 4000 since 2005. There are definitely fewer people to manage and where staff are being asked to tighten their belts we expect the same discipline from management.” argued BECTU Assistant General Secretary, Luke Crawley.

One other remarkable fact revealed today, is the cost of the BBC Trust.

With a staff of 61 the Trust has spent £12 million over the period, an average of almost £200,000 per head. Is the BBC Trust demonstrating value for money? asks BECTU.

The Annual Report is also silent on the BBC’s attitude to talent costs, which have rocketed in recent years, leaving the BBC open to claims of being a soft touch where talent are concerned.