BBC staff fear meagre pay rise after bosses forgo own increase

Workers told to be realistic about outcome of union talks as corporation aims to make savings with job cuts

BBC staff have been told their bosses will forgo a pay rise this year but fear the freeze will lead to a meagre increase for the rank and file, who have been urged to be realistic about the outcome of union negotiations.

Employees have been told that the corporation’s executive committee – its 12 highest-paid bosses including the director general, who were paid almost £5m in total last year – will have their pay frozen this year amid a £600m cost-cutting drive.