Workers at ITV will start the new year with a strike ballot over pay. Three unions – broadcasting and entertainment union BECTU, the National Union of Journalists and Unite – have all rejected a pay offer of 2 per cent.
The below-inflation pay offer came despite revenues at the company increasing by 8 per cent year-on-year to £1.8 billion in the nine months ending September.
Advertising revenues rose 6 per cent in the first nine months of 2014, and double-figure profit growth is expected next year.
• Local paper group Johnston Press has told its underpaid journalists that they can play free bingo games to supplement their wages – though it has also barred them from receiving any top prizes!