The BBC Equity Agreement 2021: What You Need to Know

On May 28th, 2021, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced a new equity agreement with its staff. The agreement, which was negotiated with the broadcasting union BECTU, aims to address issues of pay, diversity, and fairness in the organisation. Here’s what you need to know about the BBC Equity Agreement 2021.

Pay Rises and Pay Equity

One of the key elements of the agreement is a two-year pay deal, which gives staff a rise of 2% in 2021 and 2.5% in 2022. The agreement also includes a commitment to review the BBC’s pay structure to ensure that it is equitable and transparent. This will involve a review of job roles and pay scales, as well as an examination of the factors that contribute to pay disparities, such as gender, ethnicity, and disability.

Diversity and Inclusion

The BBC has long been criticised for its lack of diversity, particularly at senior levels. The equity agreement includes a number of measures designed to address this issue. For example, the BBC has committed to increasing the number of people from minority ethnic backgrounds in leadership positions by 50% by 2023. The organisation will also work to improve its record on disability inclusion, and will set targets for the representation of disabled staff.

Flexible Working

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a trend towards flexible working, and the BBC Equity Agreement reflects this. The agreement includes a commitment to increased flexibility in working arrangements, including a right for staff to request flexible working arrangements and an agreement to consider such requests seriously. The BBC will also explore the use of hybrid working models, which combine remote and office-based working, once the pandemic has ended.

Consultation and Representation

The equity agreement includes a commitment to meaningful consultation and representation for staff. The BBC and BECTU will establish a joint forum to discuss issues such as pay, diversity, and working conditions. The forum will include representatives from all areas of the organisation and will meet regularly to ensure that staff have a say in key decisions.

Conclusion

The BBC Equity Agreement 2021 is a significant step forward for the organisation in terms of pay equity, diversity, and inclusion. The commitment to reviewing the BBC’s pay structure and increasing diversity at senior levels is particularly welcome. The increased focus on flexible working and consultation with staff is also a positive development. However, as with any agreement, the success of the equity deal will depend on how it is implemented and whether the BBC follows through on its commitments.