Following an internal review, the corporation announced a phased programme of closures for its seven workplace nurseries and a move towards childcare vouchers instead (News, 14 December). While the nurseries provide 217 parents with childcare, the review found 3,000 parents needed help with childcare.
Staff at the BBC Monitoring Unit in Caversham, Reading, have consulted with the National Union of Journalists and voted to campaign nationally against the nursery closures with the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union.
Although the BBC has said it would replace the nurseries with other childcare benefits, the NUJ is disputing its commitment to family-friendly policies.
Following a meeting with management last week, NUJ national broadcast organiser Paul McLaughlin said, 'They are talking about not giving any targeted assistance in terms of childcare support. As far as I can see, the BBC is no longer an employer that wishes to look after its staff.'
