BBC bosses 'will escort staff past strikers'

BBC bosses are said to be promising to escort staff across picket lines during Monday's 24-hour strike.

Insiders say department heads have been telling workers what to expect, and offering to walk them past strikers if they feel anxious. Up to 10,000 BBC staff across Britain are expected to join the first wave of industrial action by unions Bectu, the NUJ and Amicus from midnight on Sunday.

They oppose directorgeneral Mark Thompson's plan to cut up to 6,000 jobs to save ?355 million.

The NUJ plans a barbecue outside Television Centre that could attract

300. More are expected outside Bush House and Broadcasting House.

A source said: "A lot of staff don't know what it is to strike and probably picture a Billy Elliot scene. Managers will be on hand to take them through."