BBC boosts nations and regions

16 October 2008

Press Release
For Immediate Use

BECTU responds to BBC Network Supply Review

BECTU, the media and entertainment union, has expressed regret today at the BBC’s confirmation that production of Casualty is to move from Bristol to Cardiff to meet the Corporation’s objectives under its Network Supply Review.

The move, if it takes effect in 2010, will end almost 25 years of Casualty production in the Bristol area.

However, BECTU does accept that the BBC has a responsibiity to position more of its in-house and independently sourced production, in the nations and regions to better reflect the contribution which audiences across the UK make to the BBC through the licence fee.

Commenting on the proposal to relocate production of several key programmes including Question Time, Weakest Link, and Casualty, BECTU General Secretary Gerry Morrissey said: “This move, if it is to achieve its objective of placing more and sustainable production investment in the nations and regions, must be done on the basis that monies assigned to current programming remain in the new location for the longer term.”

BECTU has welcomed the BBC’s commitment to achieve the reorganisation without compulsory redundancies and to offer the 150 affected staff access to relocation support.

However, BECTU will continue discussions with the BBC to achieve equal treatment for staff affected by this week’s announcement when compared to staff who will be affected by the move to Salford Quays due in 2011. BECTU has secured an enhanced relocation package for staff affected by the move to Salford; the BBC says that only the standard package will be made available to staff affected by changes arising from the Network Supply Review.

Divisional and local talks will follow in the coming months and will include assessments of the capacity of new sites and locations to meet the new production requirements. BECTU believes that the success of the Review will be reflected in the extent to which independent producers invest in areas designated as centres of programming excellence.

“What is vital, if quality jobs and stronger production centres are to be developed as a result of the Review, is that independent producers are encouraged to strengthen their presence in the nations and regions and to dedicate additional business resources to health and safety, to diversity and to training.” commented BECTU’s BBC Supervisory Official, Helen Ryan.

BECTU and the BBC will hold national level talks in September 2009 to assess the progress of interim discussions.

This week’s announcement does not impact on Elstree Studios where production of EastEnders and Holby City is situated.

Ends

For more information contact Helen Ryan, BECTU’s BBC Supervisory Official at [email protected]