BBC proposes pay rise for 70% of staff

The BBC has offered staff earning less than £37,726 a year an annual pay rise of £475.

Discussions have started with the unions regarding the pay proposal, which will benefit almost 70% of BBC staff.The offer is equal to a 1% increase in base pay.

The previously-announced pay freezes and suspension of bonuses for directors and senior managers will continue. Pay will also be frozen for all other staff earning above £37,726 a year.

Lucy Adams, director of BBC People, said: “This has been a tough decision, not least because we know that, in common with the public as a whole, all BBC staff are facing significant cost of living increases at the moment.

“However, in the current economic climate where basic pay awards across the UK remain on average very low, we believe this offer is fair and reasonable.”