The BBC has reached a deal with three unions - BECTU, the National Union of Journalists and Unite - on a negotiating framework for its six-year plan to cut 2,500 jobs.

The provisional agreement was reached late last night with an emphasis on seeking ways to redeploy staff and seek voluntary redundancies before initiating discussions regarding compulsory redundancies.

The BBC has pledged to redeploy at least 10% of affected staff and, according to BECTU, "emphasised its support for... the redeployment of staff to new jobs wherever possible".

Meetings in each affected BBC division will begin on November 5 followed by a two week period where volunteers may accept redundancy.

In a statement, the BBC said: "The BBC is pleased to have concluded talks on a national framework agreement that enables us to begin to implement our six-year plan. Our staff have told us that they want us to move speedily to minimise any period of uncertainty about jobs, which we all appreciate is very stressful. Last night's agreement is the first step in bringing clarity to individuals. We wish to continue to work closely with the trade unions to achieve the best possible result for our staff."

BECTU general secretary Gerry Morrissey said: "We took a significant step forward yesterday by making sure the unions are fully involved in any voluntary trawl or any selection criteria being proposed by management for compulsory redundancy.

"However, the joint unions remain fully committed to opposing any compulsory redundancies and any significant changes to unsociable pay allowances and pension arrangements. We believe that if the BBC is prepared to work with us then we can assist them with the financial problems that currently exist as a result of a poor licence fee settlement. But if the BBC is intend on making people compulsory redundant then I am convinced there will be a successful ballot for strike action.

"We will enter the divisional negotiations with the clear intent of making progress, but it takes two parties to negotiate."