Media union BECTU is seeking “a substantial rise above inflation” for BBC staff following two years of below-inflation settlements.

Pay talks for the 2011 agreement got underway this week, BECTU said in a release.

According to the union, the the 2010 agreement was reached on a flat rate increase of £475 for all staff paid up to £37,726 a year. In 2009 all staff paid up to £60,000 a year received a rise of £450.

“The rising costs of travel, food, fuel and the impact of the vat increase, set against a period of two years of below-inflation increases and rising pension costs, mean that staff pay at the BBC has regressed,” BECTU general secretary, Gerry Morrissey, said in the statement.

The BBC is due to respond in May when they officials will again meet with BBC management.