Up to 2,000 jobs are set to be cut at the BBC as part of a major cost-cutting drive, with around 10% of the workforce expected to be affected.

Staff were informed of the plans during an all-hands meeting on Wednesday afternoon, marking the largest round of cuts at the corporation since 2011.

The move comes just weeks before Matt Brittin takes over as Director General, replacing Tim Davie. Interim boss Rhodri Talfan Davies is expected to formally announce the redundancies.

The cuts follow the BBC’s announcement in February of a £600 million savings plan to be delivered over the next three years. At the time, Tim Davie said the broadcaster would need to reduce around 10% of its £6 billion annual cost base, warning that job losses and some programming reductions were unavoidable.

Falling numbers of households paying the TV licence fee – the corporation’s main source of income — are understood to be a key factor behind the financial pressure. The BBC has also faced a series of high-profile controversies in recent years, adding to wider challenges around public trust and funding.

While no specific locations have been identified, MediaCity in Salford remains at the heart of the BBC’s northern operations and continues to play a key role in the corporation’s output.

The BBC says the changes are part of wider efforts to modernise the organisation and ensure its long-term financial sustainability.