The BBC has informed its employees of proposed changes to its pension scheme in an effort to save the struggling plan.

The broadcaster hopes that the changes will result in the BBC Pension Scheme remaining ‘flexible and affordable’ for the future. In 2008 the scheme’s deficit stood at £470million, but by last year it had ballooned to £2bn.

The suggested measures would see the BBC close the defined benefit (DB) scheme to new joiners from 1 December 2010, and current members of the scheme will continue to build up benefits under the current structure. However, from 1 April 2011, future salary increases for calculating pension benefits will be limited to one per cent per annum.

In its place, a new flexible defined contribution (DC) plan will be introduced for new joiners, and existing pension scheme members will be given the option of joining this plan, or remaining in the existing scheme under the changed terms.

From 1 July 2010, the BBC will undertake a 90 day consultation period to engage with members and the relevant Trade Union.

The trustees have reportedly taken advice from their legal and actuarial adviser, and have been advised that they have no active part to play in the role of limiting Pensionable Salary growth – they also have no role in relation to the design of the proposed new BBC defined contribution scheme that is to be offered to new members.

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