ITV faces strike action over plans to axe 400 news jobs

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned ITV that it risks industrial action after the broadcaster announced plans to cut more than 400 news jobs.

The NUJ said any attempt to make the job cuts without meaningful negotiations with unions would be met with fierce resistance.

ITV News Group staff were this morning told that the broadcaster’s drive to save £40m from its regional news programmes would lead to about 429 job losses – about 40% of the team.

NUJ national broadcasting organiser Paul McLaughlin said: “Unless ITV meaningfully engages with unions over its plans for the future of regional news, industrial action seems inevitable. Any attempts to force through these massive cuts will be met with strong resistance.”

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ITV chief operating officer John Cresswell said: “We are committed to a self-help, self-funding solution to securing ITV’s future. To sustain our investment in UK content, we have to keep on top of our cost base.”

ITV HR director Philippa Hird announced earlier this year that she would step down at the end of 2008 after five years in the role.