UTV casualisation accusation

BECTU has accused the owners of Ulster Television of casualisation after they announced 35 redundancies.

The union was shocked by the announcement as Ulster Television had not reported any financial difficulties to their staff or to the union. BECTU has stated it will fight any compulsory redundancies.

The union will be meeting with members over the next few days in order to agree a strategy if the company attempts to make any member compulsory redundant.

BECTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Morrissey said: "The company admit that the work remains, however they would prefer to bring in freelancers rather than continue to employ staff who have shown their commitment to the company over many years. It is blatant casualisation and programme quality will continue to suffer."

BECTU wrote last week to all members of the Northern Ireland Assembly drawing their attention to the lack of original production in Northern Ireland.

BECTU Supervisory Official Sharon Elliott said: "The broadcasters are happier to make their programmes in the south. There is no commitment to the province and this is further highlighted by these unnecessary redundancies at Ulster Television which last year made pre-tax profits of £12-million."

Ulster Television hold the ITV contract covering Northern Ireland in the UK.