The future of the BBC World Service’s business output is in question after an entire department refused to move to Manchester under an unpopular newsroom reorganisation.
The Times understands that between 35 and 40 people who work on BBC World Service radio’s business desk are unwilling to relocate to the corporation’s base in Salford. BBC management continues to advocate for the move, but insiders think it will leave a significant gap in expertise if a new team has to be recruited in Manchester. There are also fears that it could spell the end for prominent shows such as World Business Report.
Employees are considering industrial action as they attempt to fight the relocation, which forms part of a radical restructuring of the BBC’s news
