THE SNP has hit out at the BBC’s “deeply concerning” decision to cut around 60 jobs in Scotland as part £6.2 million savings plan.
The changes are to take effect by March 2021 and have been blamed on “ongoing financial challenges compounded by the effects of Covid-19”.
Donalda MacKinnon, the BBC Scotland director, told staff that while efficiencies have been identified, the headcount has to be reduced.
John Nicolson MP, the SNP’s shadow media spokesperson at Westminster, said: “This is deeply concerning, not least for the journalists and their families working in Pacific Quay and BBC studios around the country.
“The need for reliable and relevant news has never been greater.
“There remains a BBC licence fee underspend in Scotland. If that was reversed and Scotland got back what it has put in then these proposed cuts could surely be stopped.”
Overall the BBC’s Nation and Regions have been set target savings of £24.1m in 2021 and £27.8m in 2021-2022.
As 80% of their budget is spent on staff costs, the required savings will involve substantial job cuts.
In Wales, where £6m of savings have been made over the past three years, the target is £4.5m, which is also equivalent to 60 posts.
Between 30 and 40 losses are predicted in Northern Ireland, which needs to save £3.6m. Fewer resources are to be spent there on the 10.30pm bulletin, with coverage of political party conferences to be watered-down.
The figures for England are not yet known, but the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) says these are expected to be “substantial”.
The corporation has called on all staff to consider applying for voluntary redundancy.
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said the changes are “extremely worrying”.
He said: “The BBC says it wants to get out of London and better reflect the make-up of the UK. These job cuts will make that far harder.
“It will also mean less scrutiny and holding to account of local politicians and decision-makers.
“If the BBC shrinks and reduces news coverage in these areas there is no-one else that will be able to step in and fill the void left behind.”
BBC Scotland’s headcount is currently at around 1100, with its ranks increased by 250 in recent years as the new BBC Scotland channel launched and network programming increased.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel