British broadcaster BBC is to cut around 300 jobs as part of a restructuring plan.

BBC Studios, the corporation's TV production arm, is to move towards a flexible model in line with the wider industry.

It says this may mean bringing in staff for fixed periods for specific programmes - or that staff will be retained to work on year-round programming.

In a statement, the BBC says: "These proposals are part of a wider plan to make the BBC simpler, leaner and more adaptable to meet the challenges of the future - and no part of the organisation has been immune."

It says savings of stg£1.6bn (€1.77bn) have already been made, mostly through productivity.

But it adds: "We have also said more savings need to be found, and staffing - which accounts for about a quarter of the BBC's costs - has to play its part in that, starting with the cuts to back office staff and layers of management we announced last year.

"These plans - including today's changes for BBC Studios - are all focused on enhancing what we can deliver for the public, and ensuring there is a strong, world class BBC for audiences for the future."

The BBC Studios will continue to operate from seven bases in the UK, with no closures planned.

"Overall, the changes will mean the number of staff at BBC Studios is reduced by around 300. These changes will impact all our bases, but the biggest impact is in England", it adds.

Mark Linsey, director of BBC Studios, says: "A strong, creative and competitive BBC Studios is crucial to maintaining the BBC’s role as one of the world’s great programme makers - and we are committed to delivering the best content in all our genres.

"These plans will ensure we can compete successfully in the future."

If approved by the BBC Trust, the BBC Studios arm will be put on a commercial footing to make programmes for other broadcasters.

BBC Studios produces shows such as 'Strictly Come Dancing', 'Doctor Who' and 'Mrs Brown’s Boys'.