The BBC spent over £775,000 of licence fee revenue in the past year allowing hundreds of employees to engage in trade union activities during working hours, according to recently released figures. This expenditure, reported as 'facility time' payments, covered the work of 316 BBC employees who dedicated paid time away from their regular duties for union responsibilities.
Two staff members reportedly spent 100 percent of their working hours on union business, while eight others devoted more than half of their time to such activities. Another 306 employees spent up to half their working hours on union matters. The total expenditure for this facility time in 2024-25 was £775,701, an increase from the £752,682 recorded in 2023-24.
This disclosure comes as the BBC faces increasing scrutiny over its spending and the sustainability of the television licence fee, which is currently £180 per year. The broadcaster has seen hundreds of thousands of households cancel their licences annually, with audiences increasingly opting for streaming services. Critics argue that such spending is unwarranted at a time when families are contending with a cost-of-living crisis and high household bills.
Campaigners have voiced strong criticism, calling the expenditure "extraordinary" and questioning the BBC's spending priorities. They advocate for the abolition of the licence fee, suggesting a voluntary subscription model instead. Concerns have also been raised about the BBC's recent promotional campaign, which featured a four-minute film highlighting the corporation's value, leading to accusations of self-congratulation amidst financial pressures.
In parallel, BBC chairman Samir Shah has indicated that the corporation will consider presenters' external earnings when negotiating future salaries. This follows instances where BBC personalities have supplemented their income through outside engagements. The BBC stated that providing paid time off for union duties is a legal obligation required to consult with recognised trade unions and that the expenditure on facility time is considerably less than that of other public sector organisations.
The BBC's spending on facility time is part of a broader trend across the UK public sector, where nearly £90 million was spent on similar arrangements in the past year. Local government, educational bodies, and the NHS accounted for the largest portions of this public sector expenditure.