BBC may outsource more finance functions
More of the BBC's finance function could be outsourced, after the broadcaster outlined its long-term cost-saving plans.
Link: BBC set to slash finance jobs
Director general of the BBC, Mark Thompson, earmarked £68m in cost savings through 2,500 jobs either being made redundant or outsourced from its professional services departments, including finance.
Thompson has failed to provide detailed information on the moves, but the BBC already outsources finance processes such as payroll and invoicing to business process outsourcing provider Medas.
Gerry Morrisey, assistant general secretary at broadcasting union Bectu, said the union is disappointed and surprised that no details have been provided as to how the job cuts and outsourcing will break down.
‘No-one’s any the wiser following the announcement,’ said Morrisey.
And he voiced concerns about outsourcing more of the finance function: ‘People would need convincing that it is a good idea.’
Thompson set a target of £320m in annual savings at the broadcaster within three years, of which all will be ‘redirected’ into programme-making.
‘We should do what’s right for a strong, independent BBC and its audiences in the long-term, not what’s politically convenient now,’ said Thompson.