BBC fine affects the workforce too

In the wake of a record £400,000 fine, BECTU is urging the BBC to make sure its workforce continues to be supported.

Some 19,000 staff and freelances were trained in compliance issues last year in an effort by the Corporation to demonstrate its commitment to restoring trust in the BBC.

Since then, however, 2000 post closures were announced and the staff affected are in the process of leaving the BBC. BECTU is keen to ensure that the gaps opened up by departing staff will not create compliance problems for the future.

BECTU issued the following press release today:

Press Release
For Immediate Use

30 July 2008

Ofcom fine: BECTU urges the BBC to prioritise the needs of its workforce

News today of Ofcom’s decision to fine the BBC £400,000 in the wake of fundamental errors in the operation of its competitions, has prompted BECTU to remind the BBC that effective and on-going support for staff and freelances is needed to ensure that such errors are not repeated.

Since the failings and mistakes of recent years came to public attention in 2007, the BBC has delivered training in compliance issues to approximately 19,000 people, amongst them both staff and freelances.

However, BECTU is concerned that the disruption caused by 2000 post closures announced last October should not undo the remedial work which has taken place.

“Today’s fines do not just have an impact on the BBC as a corporate body but on the staff and freelances who make BBC programmes and who want to see the BBC’s good reputation upheld.

“We look to BBC management to ensure that the gaps opened up by staff in the process of leaving the BBC, do not create problems for the future.” said a BECTU spokesperson.

Ends

For more information contact Sharon Elliott, BECTU Communications Officer by email to [email protected] [Please note BECTU's Head Office landlines are currently down and the problem is also affecting the operation of mobile phones. BT is working to rectify the problem.]

Note for Editors: BECTU, the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union has negotiating rights for staff across the BBC. www.bectu.org.uk

Wednesday 30 July 2008