BBC axes 1,500 more jobs

The BBC is preparing to announce a second swathe of job cuts as it continues its cost-cutting drive.

Although an official confirmation isn't expected until next week, the new losses are said to have been approved by the BBC's board of governors in a meeting yesterday (Thursday).

The cuts, which will save an estimated £200 million, will come from news and other programme-making departments over the next three years.

The move comes on top of last week's announcement that 1,730 staff were to be axed from non-programming departments.

"If the figures being circulated are accurate it represents a devastating blow to BBC news and programme making," said Jeremy Dear, general secretary of the NUJ. "How does the BBC believe it can maintain high standards and quality in the face of such massive self-inflicted cuts? You can't sack thousands and then ask hard working staff to take on huge amounts of extra work and still expect to maintain high standards.

"We've never been opposed to change - but we will resist changes which mean the axing of thousands of jobs, extra stress and pressure on those who remain and a poorer service for viewers and listeners."

Director-General Mark Thompson will announce the decision to staff on Monday.