BBC to cut 2,000 jobs in biggest redundancy programme in 15 years

Staff at the BBC were told about the redundancies during a company-wide meeting on Wednesday afternoon

The BBC has revealed its largest workforce reduction in almost 15 years, confirming it will axe 2,000 jobs as part of sweeping cost-cutting measures.

The broadcaster is targeting a 10% reduction in running costs over the coming three years in response to what bosses have called “substantial financial pressures”.

Staff were told about the redundancies during a company-wide meeting at 3pm on Wednesday. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

While the magnitude of the cuts is now confirmed insiders suggest that exact information about which departments or roles will bear the brunt of job losses remains under wraps, reports the Manchester Evening News.

It also remains unclear how BBC Wales will be affected by the redundancies.

The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for the organisation following the departure of outgoing director general Tim Davie on April 2 after a spell marked by considerable internal and external challenges.

Acting director-General Rhodri Talfan Davies is currently overseeing operations before former Google executive Matt Brittin formally takes the role on May 18. The huge reduction in headcount is seen as a significant overhaul in preparation for Mr Brittin’s appointment.

The cost-cutting drive has already started to affect prominent programming.

The BBC recently disclosed that its specialist unit covering significant national events, including royal occasions and state funerals, will be reduced to a single full-time employee with the corporation depending on freelance staff to bridge the shortfall.

This comes after an announcement at the start of last year that 130 roles would be axed from the BBC World Service in order to save £6m during the following financial year.

The broadcaster continues to face a challenging struggle for audiences as streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney+ command the market.

While the annual licence fee – the BBC’s main funding stream – increased to £180 on April 1 the corporation remains under significant political and public scrutiny to prove it offers value for money.