Bectu suspends BBC action

The BBC altered its expenses policy after consultation

Broadcast union Bectu has suspended its work-to-rule order at the BBC while members vote on a new expenses policy introduced by the corporation.

Members will be balloted on future action following the BBC's decision to alter new expenses rules but the union has already told the broadcaster that the dispute is effectively over.

Members are being advised to vote in favour of the amended expenses rules

Bectu statement

Union members were unhappy over a new policy which limited hotel bills to £55 a night and £6 for a first meal while away from bases.

Bectu said the changes were imposed without agreement in February.

After consultation with staff the BBC raised the hotel limit to £65 a night and agreed that staff were entitled to both a lunch and dinner, with prior permission, up to the value of £16.

'Final draft'

A statement released by Bectu said: "Members have been advised by the union to obtain copies of the final draft directly from management, or from the BBC's internal communications systems, to ensure that they have the most up-to-date version."

It added: "Members are being advised to vote in favour of the amended expenses rules."

In a ballot of more than 6,000 members of the broadcast union earlier this year, 80% voted for a work to rule, while 60% supported strike action.

The union had described the original expenses policy as "penny pinching" and "starvation rates".