BBC journalists consider strikes

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has given formal notice to the BBC of its intention to hold a ballot, which will open on 3 November 2026 and will close on 24 November 2026.

For several months, the union has warned the BBC about potential harm to its mission, its programming, journalists’ workloads, and morale. According to the union, BBC management should focus on lobbying the UK government to secure long-term funding through Charter Renewal and back calls for urgent, short-term intervention. 

Laura Davison, General Secretary, NUJ, said: “Whilst our engagement with the BBC is ongoing, journalists will now choose whether an industrial action mandate is required. Incessant cuts at the BBC go beyond statistics, having a real-life impact on passionate, talented journalists. Previous redundancy rounds have led to the loss of experienced workers and left those who remain with unmanageable workloads and fewer opportunities, causing lasting damage to staff morale. It’s clear that this cannot continue.

"The NUJ is steadfast in its commitment to members voting to determine their right to strike. We are clear that industrial action is always the final resort; what we need now is for decision makers at the BBC to recognise the commitment of its staff, returning with an offer that addresses unacceptable compulsory redundancies and member concerns about the impact of these swingeing cuts.

“As crucial next steps are considered, it is incumbent on our public service broadcaster to act now and stop the damaging cuts neither its journalists nor licence fee payers deserve.”

The BBC recently confirmed the closure of BBC Three, BBC Scotland, and BBC Radio 4 Extra linear broadcast services in spring 2027. Discover more here.