BBC's proposed revision of pension changes is not enough, says NUJ
Broadcaster's claim that management pension top-ups may be cut to address concerns is 'too little too late'
– 2 min read
This article was migrated from an old version of our website in 2025. As a result, it might have some low-quality images or non-functioning links - if there's any issues you'd like to see fixed, get in touch with us at info@journalism.co.uk.
There used to be something here that couldn't be migrated - please contact us at info@journalism.co.uk if you'd like to see this updated!
The BBC's claim that management pension top-ups may be cut to address concerns is "too little too late", according to NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear.
On Monday, in a live question and answer session with 150 staff, BBC general-director Mark Thompson (pictured) indicated that senior managers could have their top-up pensions fund (FURB), which Journalism.co.uk reported was already under review , taken away entirely.
"One of the frequent points in consultation is surely if we are reviewing pension arrangements we should review these (FURBs) as well, well we think that is right, we will review them and review them on the principle that pension contributions should be as consistent and fair as they can be, irrespective of seniority or juniority of the staff member
involved," he said in the session. "My expectation is these payments will be changed and all those who get them will be moved onto same pension arrangements as those we are now proposing. I'm expecting that we will make changes."
The session was set up by the BBC as part of a 90-day consultation on the pension proposals put forward in June by the broadcaster, as part of plans to help plug a £2 billion deficit.
The NUJ is currently balloting for strike action as a result, after negotiations failed to be reached between BBC staff unions and the broadcaster.
The BBC has also today confirmed to Journalism.co.uk that they will be coming forward with "new proposals" in September following the backlash from their initial plans.
But NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said that changes the to proposals will not be enough, they need to be dropped altogether.
"Be warned - there is so much anger people cannot be easily bought off by tinkering with the current proposals," he says in a blog post . "Take them off the table and sit down with the unions and negotiate. That way we can avoid the need for strike action and work towards a fair solution." According to national reports, Thompson followed up his comments in the Q&A session with an email to all members of staff, confirming the proposals may also be adjusted to recognise concerns.
"We're looking hard at the concerns you've been raising and, if there are changes to the proposals that can go some way to addressing those concerns but which also tackle the fundamental issues, we'll adjust the proposals accordingly," the email reportedly reads. "We'll come back to you at the start of September with a response to the consultation so far, and we'll make sure there is plenty of time for you to consider and give your reaction."
Dear added that while a response to staff concerns is welcomed, the timing of early September is tactical.
"Of course it's welcome that he is at last reacting to the public and staff outcry over management greed - but let's be clear this is being done in response to the unions' campaign against the pensions robbery going on and to the fact that the pension top up payments made to senior managers have hit the headlines," he said.
"And it is too little, too late. The BBC have had pensions holidays, underpaid over a number of years and put millions in to executive pensions - now they are asking staff to pay the price. The BBC must guarantee the value of staff pensions already earned or face the prospect of co-ordinated strike action."
