BBC plans to cut 500 jobs by 2026 as it embarks on a major savings and transformation plan

In addition to a £500m annual savings plan announced two years ago, the BBC is implementing a further £200m spending cut plan announced in March.

The BBC plans to cut another 500 jobs by the end of March 2026, after seeing its workforce fall by 10% over the past five years, the British public broadcaster announced on Tuesday (July 23). Undergoing a major cost-cutting and transformation plan, the corporation said its workforce had fallen by almost 2,000 jobs over the past five years.

In addition to a £500m (€594m) annual savings plan announced two years ago, the BBC is implementing a further £200m (€237m) spending cut plan announced last March.

An essential institution in the British audiovisual landscape, the BBC has been particularly criticised by the Conservatives, who lost power to Labour in the general elections of 4 July.

The BBC is facing an exodus of young audiences from traditional media to social media platforms and networks, as well as growing questions about its funding model.

In March, its director-general, Tim Davie, said the BBC was examining different options for reforming the licence fee, its main source of funding, after 2028, when the current charter expires.

Last year, the BBC collected £3.6 billion in licence fees, down £80 million, according to the annual report. The licence fee currently stands at £169.50, following an increase in April after a two-year freeze.