The BBC is facing internal anger after a group of apprentices were told they could no longer expect jobs they had been promised, as a result of the corporation’s sweeping cuts programme.
In a sign of the pressure the BBC is under to find savings, apprentices working with BBC News were told that “exceptional circumstances” meant the broadcaster could no longer stand by its pledge to find them permanent positions.
The Guardian understands that the decision came after some had been repeatedly reassured that the job pledge would be honoured.
Insiders said it was a betrayal of the apprentices, who are often selected for coming from non-traditional backgrounds to increase the diversity of the BBC’s workforce. Many are from working-class backgrounds.
“They’ve all been told that their jobs have now been closed and there isn’t a permanent role at the end,” a source said. “For a place that prides itself on honesty and integrity, it feels pretty dishonest.”
Another said: “There are some fairly senior editors who are absolutely raging about what’s happening.”
The decision affects some of those currently finishing their apprenticeships, which cover graduates and school leavers. Some apprentices from previous years who were still waiting for a permanent post are also affected. About 20 apprentices appear to be affected overall.
It comes with the BBC aiming to cut as many as 2,000 jobs as it seeks £500m in savings by 2028. Further details of those cuts are expected within weeks.
It is understood that during an emergency meeting at the end of August, the apprentices were told that the job cuts on the way meant it was unfair to guarantee them a job.
Their scheme has been extended until December to give them time to prepare, while apprentices from previous years still waiting for a job have also been given a grace period.
However, there has been an angry response from some inside the corporation who say a scheme that increases the BBC’s diversity and brings in younger voices should have been protected.
“How are we signalling there’s still a future of the BBC if we’re cutting all the people that we’ve promised jobs to,” said one. “For me, it says a lot about the people that have been protected. There’s just so much middle management.
“Morally, we should be investing in young people to come and work here. That just feels so obvious. How can we be chasing young audiences while cutting a young workforce?”
Matt Brittin, the BBC’s director general, said last week he had not fully understood the extent of the BBC’s financial woes when he took on the job earlier in the year.
The BBC is having to make the cuts as the value of the licence fee has fallen dramatically over the last decade as a result of price freezes. An increasing number of households are opting not to pay it.
The corporation has already announced 550 job cuts in news, nations and TV and radio content as part of the first stage in its savings plan. The BBC has about 21,500 full-time employees in total.
Brittin has said popular shows will have to be axed. The first major casualty was BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight.
A BBC spokesperson said: “BBC News needs to make considerable savings, and we have previously announced roles will close across the division at all levels. As there are fewer positions, fewer apprentices have been able to secure permanent placements. We are exploring opportunities to retain individuals where possible.
“More broadly, we are committed to providing entry-level roles and training in the industry and will continue to run schemes that provide these opportunities at the start of people’s careers.”