BBC boss concedes real prospect of strikes over pay and job cuts

Matt Brittin says ‘cupboard is bare’ after staff reject average 2.1% pay rise in dispute

The BBC’s director general has conceded there is a real prospect of industrial action at the broadcaster, as he battles an ongoing dispute over pay and pushes ahead with plans to cut as many as 2,000 jobs.

In a call with staff on Tuesday, Matt Brittin faced a series of questions over both the corporation’s plans for huge cuts, as well as pay talks that have now seen staff reject an average 2.1% salary increase.