BBC workers went on strike today, intercepting the new boss of the broadcaster as he arrived for his first day on the job after warning that “tough choices are unavoidable.”

A protest was staged outside the Broadcasting House in central London as the BBC’s new director-general, Matt Brittin, arrived for work, demanding he retract his pledge to slash 2,000 jobs.

Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) held signs reading “Newshour bosses: share the cuts pain” and “BBC Radio World Service don’t sink the flagship.”

A former Google boss, Mr Brittin warned staff that “tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings,” with the BBC attempting to reduce its costs by 10 per cent over the next three years, and the broadcaster must move with “velocity and clarity” and “experiment more bravely.”

NUJ national broadcasting organiser John Sailing said his members have been clear that “they are not prepared to compromise their work and produce programmes that fall below the high standards which are rightly expected by BBC audiences, both in the UK and around the world.”

“Despite the demands placed upon them, they were prepared to offer a substantial compromise, but this was rejected by BBC management,” he said.

“We will continue to fight for fair treatment at work and hope that negotiations with BBC managers can lead to an outcome which avoids action needing to take place and best serves not only the BBC’s interests, but also those of its staff, and its audiences.”

In a note written to staff today, Mr Brittin said: “We must be where audiences are, and experiment more bravely: test ideas, learn quickly and back what works.

“Audiences will value the fact we are listening, innovating and working hard to serve them better.

“I know change will not be easy. Tough choices are unavoidable as we make savings.

“We should ask ourselves, honestly: if we were inventing the BBC today, what would we do? Then respond with clarity, pace and purpose.”

Following questions surrounding the BBC licence fee and the threat posed by US President Donald Trump’s billion-dollar lawsuit over alleged defamation and a “deceptive” edit of one of his speeches.

Mr Brittin said he will make the case for “increased velocity — making the savings we must and the choices we should, simplifying the BBC for staff and audiences alike.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that the NUJ is proceeding with industrial action.

“During an extended period of consultation and engagement with the union we have listened, adapted our approach, and put forward a revised proposal, and we regret that agreement has not been reached.

“The BBC faces huge financial challenges and we need to operate as efficiently as possible. Our priority remains ensuring our audiences continue to receive trusted news and information from the BBC.”