ITV job cuts in Manchester and Leeds

According to the union Bectu, most of the cuts will target technical and post production staff, including many that work on the long-running dramas Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

The broadcaster wants to close 39 jobs in Leeds, including 20 “technical grades”, 10 post production posts, four electronic maintenance posts and two posts in the resources office. It is also planning to cut three unspecified jobs, which are expected to come from management.

In Manchester, ITV plans to axe 50 jobs, but no breakdown was available.

ITV will not confirm the level of the cuts until it has finished consulting with staff, but said in a statement: "ITV has this week briefed employees on the second phase of proposals affecting staff working within the Northern Resources group in Manchester and Leeds - following a first stage that has already resulted in a management restructure.

"Technological advances in production techniques combined with a slow down in studio commissions means that the level of resources staff in Manchester and Leeds is higher than required for the business levels forecast.

"As part of the five year turnaround plan [outlined by chairman Michael Grade last September], ITV is reviewing all areas of the business to ensure that the company is ready to meet the challenges of the digital age."

However, Bectu said the cuts show that the turnaround plan is failing, and warned that “ballots for industrial action cannot be ruled out.”

Supervisory official David Beevers said: "Yesterday's announcement is a real blow for our members. What is clear is that the company's turnaround plan is failing.

“The proposed job losses strike at the heart of ITV's programme-making capacity and reveal a serious lack of ability at the highest levels of the company.

“The five-year plan promised acquisitions and greater commissioning power to re-establish ITV's network presence. Those objectives are not being met so the company reaches for its most cowardly weapon, the P45.”

The broadcaster will begin formal consultations with staff in Leeds tomorrow and in Manchester on Friday.

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