BBC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS NEW DIVISION?

BECTU and the BBC met recently to discuss the proposed restructuring of the Marketing and Communications Division.
According to the Union the new division will be London-based, with Regions being part of the same professional family but not directly affected by these proposals.
Press and Publicity in the regions could face change, however this would be subject to separate talks covering the rest of the UK. The new division would bring together staff from all areas excluding Worldwide, World service and Resources, although the new division will work closely with these groups.
The new division will have approximately 450 staff from over 50 departments and a new structure reflecting the diversity of the group and the roles it will be expected to undertake.
The main area of staff transfers is broadcasting with 58 per cent, 25 per cent from corporate and others from news, production and projects. From these areas the main professional groups affected by these proposals include Press and Publicity, Marketing, Public Relations, Audience Research and Customer Services.
At this stage management are unclear about the number of job losses but have so far identified 25 posts across the division that could be closed. Management stated they did not envisage any problems in placing staff in Audience Research.
BECTU also speaking on behalf of the NUJ stated they expected there would be no compulsory redundancies, no forced relocation and no adverse affect on terms and conditions of service, including that of grade and job status.
Management said it was their intention to avoid any redundancies but could not give a guarantee. They have no plans at this moment in time to relocate staff.
A spokesperson for BECTU said: “Whilst recognising that management will be speaking to staff in Audience Research, the Unions had only agreed to this without prejudice to future discussions. While hoping to have positive and constructive discussions on the creation of a new department, the Unions reaffirmed that the views and aspirations of our Members are paramount.”
A further meeting is scheduled for Novermber 9.