Millennium offer accepted

BBC union members have voted by a majority of 88% to accept proposals to compensate staff for working during the Millennium period.

The package includes additional payments and arrangements covering leave, travel and accommodation for staff working on 31 December 1999 and 1 January 2000.

The ballot of members followed a number of a meetings between the unions and management to discuss this issue.

During these talks it was clarified that applications for leave during the Millennium period would be accepted until the end of March 1999, with a first response being made by the end of April. If subsequent problems arise in departments about the number of staff that can be granted leave, such issues will be dealt with locally.

BBC management also indicated that, wherever possible, work over the period by staff will be voluntary.