BBC staff threaten strike over plans to cut their meal allowance from £16 to £10

BBC journalists are threatening to strike over their evening meal allowance, which may be cut from £16 to £10.

Currently staff can claim up to £16 for a meal on expenses, which are paid from licence fees, every time they work a late shift.

Bosses wish to cut this by £6 in a bid to save an estimated £300,000 a year.

The BBC is currently battling to save £800million a year.

The National Union of Journalists said: "Staff say the cut to expenses will mean they will be subsidising the BBC from their own wages."

Sue Harris, NUJ national broadcasting officer, told the Daily Mail: "Why should our members pick up the tab? These are legitimate expenses which staff incur as they do their jobs often during unsocial hours.

"The talks to discuss the changes of rates have been a farce and our patience has run out. Our members are angry and if the management insists on foisting this unfair deal, we will be a balloting for strike action."

A number of other proposals have been put forward to reduce the BBC's expenses bill.

Staff may be banned from taking first class trains or using black cabs to get around London.

But unions reps suggest the corporation could look to save in other areas, such as private healthcare and car perks for senior managers.