Redundancies agreed in HTV

BECTU has accepted 28 redundancies at HTV - almost all of them voluntary.

Originally the union had feared that many of the job cuts would be compulsory, after new owner Carlton set out to make savings in the company which it bought from United News and Media.

However, a series of negotiations reduced the number of compulsory redundancies to two, and the company offered to improve redundancy terms for all those whose jobs go.

Severance payments will be calculated on the existing formula of three weeks' pay for each year of service - an entitlement that was at one stage under threat - and the maximum payment was increased from £30,000 to £50,000.

All redundant staff will receive a minimum pay-off of 15 weeks' pay, and those who were employed on fixed-term contract before winning permanent posts will be able to count their contract employment towards their total period of service, boosting redundancy pay in many cases.

The company's offer was accepted by members after volunteers came forward for almost all the planned redundancies, and the union is still representing the two staff facing compulsory dismissal.