BBC News 24 staff to take action

BBC News 24 is losing seven jobs in its London newsroom

Journalists at BBC News 24 are to protest against job cuts by enforcing a work-to-rule policy.

Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) will refuse to work beyond their contracted hours or fill in for more senior positions.

Union officials said they have "no choice but to protect their position", adding they have "run out of goodwill towards BBC managers".

The BBC said it was confident it would be able to maintain a quality service.

The NUJ, Bectu and Amicus are balloting BBC members on strike action over plans to cut up to 4,000 jobs.

But Jeremy Dear, the NUJ's general secretary, said staff were left with "no option" but to take action before the ballot.

'Confident'

"Whilst we have sought negotiations they have continued to axe jobs, terminate contracts and shift staff around to try to cover the gaping holes in their plans," he said.

The union has sent a letter to the managing editor of BBC News, Nigel Charters, giving seven days' notice of the work-to-rule.

The corporation's rolling news service has lost nine posts in its London newsroom and other staff across the UK.

A BBC spokesman said: "We're disappointed that the NUJ has sent out this instruction before the official ballot. However, we are confident we can maintain News 24's usual high quality service for our audience."

As part of the work-to-rule action, staff will also take their full breaks and refuse to change their working hours even if a major news story warrants it.

The unions warned earlier this week that major events like Wimbledon and the FA Cup final could be affected by possible strike action at plans outlined by BBC director Mark Thompson to cut up to 4,000 jobs.