BBC shot

The BBC has announced plans to cut nearly 2,000 jobs as part of its Delivering Quality First proposals

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The BBC has defended a controversial comment made by director general Mark Thompson during a meeting with staff in Belfast.

Thompson told staff facing possible redundancy: "If you're really that unhappy, if you think that you can't do your best work here then leave – no one is forcing you to stay."

A statement from the broadcaster said the comment was made in the course of "a forthright debate with a robust exchange of views but useful for all involved."

Thompson was heavily criticised by the National Union of Journalists, with NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet accusing him of "complete and utter contempt" for staff at the broadcaster.

The comment followed the broadcaster's announcement earlier this month that it plans to make 2,000 job cuts as part of its Delivering Quality First strategy.

Stanistreet claimed Thompson's remark "calls into question his own position", and suggested he take his own advice.

"Mark Thompson showed his complete and utter contempt for his staff today. It shows just how little he values all the hardworking, loyal and talented staff who are the lifeblood of the BBC’s work.

"It's BBC staff who are standing up for quality journalism and for the future of the Corporation they are passionate about serving. For Mark Thompson to turn his ire on our members, at a time when the BBC is under unprecedented attack and needs strong leadership, calls into question his own position.

"Perhaps it’s about time he moved on – after all, no-one’s forcing him to stay."

Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of Broadcast union Bectu, echoed Stanistreet's criticism, calling Thompson "out of touch".

"This is a contemptuous remark, and it shows how out of touch the director general is with the real concerns of Bectu members. The director general needs to understand that BBC staff are committed to preserving the quality and integrity of BBC output and see his proposals as putting all of that at risk.

"Staff are unhappy about these proposal but union members have no intention of leaving and we will take strike action to protect the BBC from management vandalism."

The BBC's director of news Helen Boaden said that BBC News staff would "bear the brunt" of cuts within the division, with up to 800 full time posts to be cut.

Boaden told staff that the budget reduction for BBC News would drop from 16 per cent to 13 per cent, around £56 million.

The broadcaster is aiming to make savings of around £670 million by 2016/17.
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