BBC Wales journalists strike over jobs and 'bullying'

Journalists and technical staff at BBC Wales have begun a 12-hour strike over redundancies and claims of bullying across the corporation.

Members of the Nationals Union of Journalists(NUJ) and Bectu union walked out at midday on Thursday, ahead of the Easter bank holiday.

The BBC apologised for any disruption to output.

BBC Cymru Wales director Rhodri Talfan Davies said the offer to work with the unions remained on the table.

David Donovan, national officer for Bectu, said the strike sent a "clear message".

He said: "I think what the BBC should be looking at is the result of a positive yes vote for industrial action and that's the message we want management at BBC Wales to take back to management in London."

There were also claims of bullying.

'Financial savings'

Mr Donovan said: "We have sufficient evidence that people are feeling stressed, the additional workload is having that impact and, in different circumstances, individuals are feeling they are being bullied and harassed."

BBC Cymru Wales director Rhodri Talfan Davies said: "I think all parts of the BBC are facing significant financial challenges and we at BBC Wales are no different from many other parts of the corporation.

"We've looked very hard as our financial savings plan at where we cut output - we look for increased efficiency.

"I think, broadly, we've got that balance right but we are prepared to work very closely with the unions to look at specific issues when and wherever they may arise and that offer remains on the table."