BBC JOB CUTS

Early day motion 195, tabled 24 May 2005 by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 32 members.

That this House welcomes the decision of the BBC to meet unions for talks organised by Acas in a bid to break the deadlock which led to strike action by some BBC staff; acknowledges the role of the staff in helping the BBC excel as the world's leading public service broadcaster; recognises that the BBC has a duty to deliver best value for money to licence fee payers; regrets that necessary reforms will require some job cuts; notes the BBC's pledge last December that the £320m of efficiency savings will be redirected into programme-making; urges the BBC to expend every effort in helping staff whose posts will go by re-training them for the new jobs that will be created by the promised new programming; and hopes that the Acas talks will find a solution that means that further strike action is averted.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 20, Labour 10, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.