BBC 'Need To Fix It'

A survey has revealed that the BBC's management of fixed term contracts can be poor. The survey showed that reasoning offered by BBC management when it came to ending a fixed term contract (FTC), can often be unclear, inconsistent and artificial.
The broadcast union, BECTU is now planning to strengthen its support for BBC staff by working on these contracts.
The union's BBC Division invited staff to share their experiences last month and it was reported that 40% of respondents do not understand why their contract is for a fixed length because the work they do is continuing.
A third of respondents said their contract was ending although the role was still needed and that they felt pressure to end contracts to ‘keep the headcount down' and to prevent people accruing service that would increase their employment rights and employee benefits.
Almost 60% said they had faced pressure to 'take a break' between contracts, even when there was work available for them, and 30% said they knew someone who had experienced this.
They felt the main reason for this was related to length of service, but many had been told it would benefit them to accept work elsewhere for a while. Many also commented on the lack of transparency about BBC policy and practice.
Anna Murray, National Official, commented: "BECTU believes that transparency is critical to delivering fairness.
"Short-term employees can feel fearful of complaining in case that could prevent them getting future work, so it's essential that the BBC spells out how it will deal fairly with the ending of contracts," she said.
BECTU has now reported the results of its survey to the BBC and has requested a meeting with each vision department for a discussion on BECTU’s Fixed But Fair Charter.
(BMcN/BMcc)