THIRTY-five posts have been earmarked for redundancy at BBC Scotland, as part of a cutbacks announcement made last year.
In October, it was announced that between 100 and 120 posts were at risk of redundancy between then and the financial year 2016-17, as a result of a review, titled ‘Delivering Quality First’, that followed negotiations the previous year between the Westminster government and the BBC that led to the TV licence fee being frozen for six years.
For BBC Scotland that meant a 16 per cent budget cut, translated to a £16.1 million each year cut from an annual budget of £102 million.
Thirty-nine posts have already gone and when the 35, now earmarked for redundancy by the end of March, are added, the running total will be 74.
The 35 posts comprise, in detail, eight from radio, two from Gaelic, 17 from news and current affairs, six from marketing, communications and audiences and two from New Media, learning and outreach.
In a memo to staff, Director of BBC Scotland, Ken MacQuarrie, says: “We will do all we can to support staff affected by today’s announcements throughout the process and, as always, will be seeking to manage any post losses through voluntary redundancy and redeployment, so avoiding compulsory redundancy wherever possible.
“We don’t underestimate how hard it is to achieve these savings plans and how difficult it is for those facing the prospect of losing their jobs. We would, however, like to underline our track record of success in delivering great content to our audiences and of significant investment in BBC Scotland over recent years.
“Our aim remains to provide high quality and distinctive programmes, content and services for audiences in Scotland and in the rest of the UK. Our proposals will ensure that we deliver those aims and respond to the demands of an ever-changing industry.”
