Anglia and Meridian cuts proposed

Granada has proposed up to 90 job cuts at Anglia and Meridian leading to an angry union response.

Anglia TV is set to lose a possible 30 jobs as a result of cuts across a number of departments while another 30 jobs are under threat because of the decision to transfer production of Survival to Bristol from Norwich. Bristol-based staff may also be adversely affected.

Meanwhile at Meridian, whose headquarters are in Southampton, the company is proposing to make up to 30 job cuts.

Granada Media, which acquired the two ITV licences last year, has explained the cuts as a way of integrating the companies into its operations.

"Our members at all sites will be shocked and hugely disappointed that this is almost the first real taste of being part of the enlarged Granada Media plc. It is unacceptable to us that Granada Media should want to show talented and experienced staff the door at operations which are already run efficiently." commented BECTU Supervisory Official Sharon Elliott.

"When Granada's acquisition of the licences were announced in July last year Graham Creelman, MD at Anglia TV told staff 'We should have every confidence in the future' that encouragement looks very hollow today just six months afterwards" Sharon Elliott continued.

"At this stage little hard information is available to explain the rationale behind today's announcements. When we as the recognised union meet with Anglia TV we will do everything we can to minimise the damage to staff." she said.

"The relocation of Survival to Bristol is a major loss to Anglia who have for so long been associated with this quality production, respected throughout the world." said Sharon Elliott.