BBC journalists will ballot on strikes over compulsory redundancies as bosses admit they cannot rule out forced job losses

The National Union of Journalists has formally notified the BBC of a strike ballot, with members voting from November 3 to 24 on whether to walk out or take action short of a strike, such as a work to rule. Deputy director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies described the ballot to staff as "clearly a disappointing development" but acknowledged the corporation could not rule out forced job losses. BBC News cut more than 100 roles last week, saving £5.5 million — yet the division must find a further £20 million at minimum to reach its savings target of £51 million.

The redundancies form part of a broader £500 million savings programme the BBC says must be delivered over three years.

Talfan Davies said the overwhelming majority of redundancies to date had been voluntary, but declined to give a guarantee that compulsory cuts would be avoided entirely.

A separate pay ballot — on a revised offer of a 1.5% rise or a minimum £1,000, whichever is higher — closes on November 5.