Four of ten editors to be made redundant at BBC Scotland as cost cutting measures begin
BBC Scotland has informed 10 editors that they have to reapply for six editor positions, with four ultimately being made redundant from the organisation, as it begins its cost cutting strategy.
The Drum understands that the announcement to make four editor jobs redundant has been made to those involved with the NUJ entering into dispute with the organisation, and is likely to lead to its 300 members of editorial staff balloting over industrial action once again this year. The ballot will close next Thursday
BBC Scotland has already announced that it will look to shed 120 jobs before 2017 as it faces a 16% budget cut as part of the Delivering Quality First strategy, announced by BBC director general Mark Thompson in October.
2,000 jobs will go across the whole organisation by 2017 as a result of the long-term licence fee freeze by the Government.
BBC Scotland’s budget is expected to be hit by £16.1m in the coming years, and The Drum understands that the Edinburgh news team has already been informed that it will be downsized under the measures.
A spokesperson for BBC Scotland confirmed the move and said: "We informed members of the news team in October that 30 posts would go by 2017 and that remains to be the case."