World News
BBC cancels permanent job offers for apprentices amid cost-cutting drive
The broadcaster cited financial pressures as it backtracks on guarantees of permanent roles for news apprentices.
The short version
- The BBC informed approximately 20 BBC News apprentices that exceptional circumstances prevent it from honoring guarantees of permanent employment.
- The decision impacts current apprentices finishing their programs as well as previous graduates still waiting for permanent roles.
- The corporation is facing declining license fee revenues and aims to cut up to 2,000 jobs to save £500 million by 2028.
Key facts
- About 20 BBC News apprentices were informed during an late August emergency meeting that guaranteed permanent roles would no longer be provided.[The Guardian]
- The apprenticeship scheme has been extended through December to provide affected individuals time to prepare.[The Guardian]
- The BBC is targeting £500 million in savings and up to 2,000 overall job cuts by 2028 amid lower license fee revenue.[The Guardian]
- Director General Matt Brittin stated he did not fully understand the scope of the broadcaster's financial difficulties when he assumed his role earlier in the year.[The Guardian]
- A BBC spokesperson confirmed fewer apprentices secured permanent placements due to broader division-wide closures, adding that the corporation is exploring ways to retain individuals where possible.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The exact total number of apprentices affected remains an estimate, reported as roughly 20 overall.[The Guardian]
- Specific details on the next round of broader BBC job cuts are expected within weeks but have not yet been released.[The Guardian]
Sources
- Anger as BBC withdraws jobs promise for apprentices amid sweeping cutsThe Guardian - World