BBC bosses enjoy big payouts as jobs are cut

BBC executives have been awarded significant pay increases, the corporation’s annual report has said.

The revelations come amid job cuts at the corporation, with unions warning that staff could strike as a result.

Director general Mark Thompson’s salary rose to £609,000 in 2005-6, with his deputy Mark Byford receiving £403,000.

Mr Thompson waived his right to a bonus but his colleagues did not. The BBC said the pay rises were required to bring salaries up to market levels.

Mr Thompson’s pay packet was £459,000 in 2004-5 – although that sum was not for a full year – while Mr Byford’s basic wage rose £52,000 this year.

Director of television Jana Bennett saw her basic pay increase from £255,000 to £321,000, while director of radio and music Jenny Abramsky was paid £295,000, up £62,000.

The news could result in a ballot for strike action, broadcasting unions said.

“It’s outrageous that in a year when they have made 3,000 staff redundant, executives have been given these astonishing, inflation-busting increases,” said Luke Crawley, Bectu’s BBC official.

“On Monday, it is likely our members will be insulted and will say: ‘Let’s ballot for action.'”

National Union of Journalists broadcasting officer Paul McLaughlin said: “Executives at the BBC are washing themselves in a Jacuzzi of cash while staff suffer a drought.”

The corporation has made “significant savings” due to more than 1,000 posts closing this year, finance director Zarin Patel said.

More than 2,000 more staff will leave the BBC in the next financial year.