ITV has ignited a firestorm of staff discontent after making the drastic decision to permanently close the popular staff canteen at its flagship Good Morning Britain studios. The move is part of a sweeping wave of budget cuts that has left presenters and production crew furious.
Staff arriving at the studio on London's South Bank were met with locked canteen doors and a notice confirming the closure. The facility, which provided hot meals and refreshments for early-morning shifts, has been a lifeline for the team working on the breakfast show.
Breakfast Show Hosts Left High and Dry
The sudden closure means high-profile presenters including Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, along with the entire behind-the-scenes team, must now bring their own food or seek alternatives outside the building. This presents a significant logistical challenge for staff who often begin work in the early hours before most local eateries are open.
An insider revealed the depth of frustration among employees: 'Morale has hit rock bottom. This isn't just about convenience—it's about being valued. When you're getting up at 3am to prepare the nation's breakfast news, the least you expect is to be able to get breakfast yourself.'
Broader Cost-Cutting Measures at ITV
The canteen closure is understood to be part of a wider £50 million cost-saving programme across ITV. The broadcaster has been implementing various measures to reduce expenditure, including:
- Reductions in production budgets
- Streamlining of operational costs
- Review of on-screen talent contracts
- Cutbacks in hospitality and facilities
A spokesperson for ITV confirmed the closure but defended the decision as a necessary measure in the current economic climate. 'We are constantly reviewing our operations to ensure we are working as efficiently as possible. This includes making difficult decisions about our facilities and services,' the statement read.
The move has raised questions about the working conditions within the competitive broadcasting industry and how major networks are adapting to financial pressures in the digital age.
