Blog row to overshadow strike talks

A row over comments by a BBC executive in a web diary is threatening to overshadow last-ditch talks to avert further strike action.

BBC chiefs and broadcast unions are preparing for "gruelling" negotiations at Acas today over director general Mark Thompson's plans to axe more than 4,000 jobs. The BBC faces threats of further strike action next week following Monday's walk-out.

But a controversial posting on the "blog" - or web log - of Richard Sambrook, head of the BBC's World Service and Global News Division, looks set to ensure stormy scenes when talks begin.

The former head of news wrote in his online diary yesterday: "Disputes are only settled by discussion and negotiation. It's important to keep talking."

Until now, BBC chiefs have infuriated unions by refusing to use the term "negotiate", promising only to "listen". Today the NUJ seized on Mr Sambrook's comments offering "congratulations to Richard Sambrook... on being the first manager to use the 'N' word".

However, hours after the statement appeared online, the comments were mysteriously removed. One insider said: "On the eve of us going to Acas, in the supposed spirit of reconciliation, we find the first hint that the BBC might be prepared to negotiate properly has been stamped out. It bears the hallmarks of somebody in a higher position than Sambrook."

A BBC spokeswoman said: "We are going to Acas and as soon as we accepted we decided not to get involved in any discussions."