Cautious welcome to Arqiva purchase

BECTU has given a cautious welcome to the news that Arqiva has acquired National Grid Wireless for £2.5bn.

National Grid Wireless (formerly Crown Castle UK and Gridcom) is the domestic transmission arm of BBC television and radio and is one of the biggest providers of infrastructure to mobile telecommunications operators in the UK.

Arqiva, previously known as NTL Broadcast, is the transmission arm of ITV.

It also confirmed yesterday that it has completed its £25m acquisition of BT's satellite broadcast business, including operations in the UK, France, Italy, Holland and the US.

General Secretary Gerry Morrissey commented: "We knew the future of National Grid Wireless was uncertain following its failed bid for the BBC's digital network.

"While we are familiar with Arqiva as an employer and know it understands the market well, we will be looking for it to guarantee three key areas: jobs, pensions and working conditions."

The deal is subject to a review by the Competition Commission, but when and if clearance is given, BECTU will be looking to meet with Arqiva to establish guarantees that jobs will be secure, that staff's final salary pension scheme will stay in place and that the transference of existing terms and conditions will go ahead without any changes.

Gerry Morrissey concluded: "NG Wireless has said that Arqiva 'represents the most attractive outcome' for its shareholders, and we intend to make sure that the same can be said for its workforce."