Anger at BBC outsourcing plans that could put thousands of UK jobs at risk

A significant outsourcing drive could put thousands of BBC jobs at risk as the broadcaster desperately searches for savings, the Guardian understands.

- Michael Savage

Plans being considered include the offshoring of jobs carried out in Britain, with the BBC understood to be talking to US tech firms as potential partners. They are said to include the outsourcing of recommendation algorithms, which direct users to content.

There are already significant concerns inside the BBC over the impact the overhaul could have on UK jobs and its scheme to spread roles across the country, as well as the effect it could have on the BBC's control over its own platforms.

The outsourcing programme could lead to job losses at the broadcaster's hubs in Salford, Glasgow, Newcastle and Cardiff.

Departments being looked at include those within its digital product group, responsible for developing platforms such as News Online, Sport, iPlayer and Sounds, and the finance department.

The proposal has been drawn up after advice from external consultants, as Tim Davie, the BBC's director-general, searches for ways to cut the corporation's costs.