Strike threat at BBC is averted

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/7205637.stm

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A threatened strike at the BBC has been averted after it reached an agreement with unions over cost-cutting plans.

The National Union of Journalists, Bectu, and Unite had threatened strike action over plans to close 2,500 posts and make up to 1,800 staff redundant.

But they will now ballot members on a deal which they hope will mean there will be no compulsory redundancies.

"We are hopeful the proposed agreement will enable us to make the changes to benefit our audiences," the BBC said.

BBC executive Stephen Kelly added: "The negotiations have been very constructive given the complexity of the issues and the BBC's financial position."

The six-year plan to cut costs to create a "smaller, but fitter, BBC" were unveiled last October.

The corporation is also planning to sell off its flagship Television Centre in west London as it attempts to make up a £2bn budget shortfall.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said: "We're pleased the imminent threat of compulsory redundancies has been addressed. These negotiations now give us a basis on which we can address further changes proposed by the BBC."