RTÉ Confirms Urgent Layoffs: 100 Jobs at Risk by October 31

UPDATE: RTÉ has confirmed plans to lay off 100 employees as part of its urgent cost-cutting measures, with the first departures set for Friday, October 31, 2023. Despite receiving 325 expressions of interest for its Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP), insiders report challenges in translating interest into confirmed exits.

The broadcaster, facing significant financial difficulties, is struggling to secure the necessary number of voluntary departures. A source within RTÉ stated, “The question people needed to ask themselves was, ‘Will I be better off financially by taking this package?’ For many, particularly those in their late 40s or early 50s, the answer was no.”

The VEP offers employees with a minimum of two years’ service up to six weeks of pay per year of service, capped at €300,000. However, many potential candidates are hesitant due to financial concerns and the current job market instability. Insiders indicate that the deal is perceived as less generous than expected, leading to reluctance among staff.

As the deadline approaches, RTÉ has not disclosed the exact number of employees who will exit this first round of layoffs. The broadcaster’s spokesperson stated, “The VEP process is ongoing, and a number of applications are still being reviewed.” While the first wave of employees is set to leave next week, further departures are planned for November 30 and December 31.

Concerns about the fairness of the cuts have emerged, with reports indicating that certain departments face greater reductions than others. “Some departments are being denuded of people while news and current affairs appears to be getting away scot-free,” remarked one source, expressing frustration over perceived inequities in the layoffs.

RTÉ has emphasized that those leaving under the VEP are free to explore other career opportunities, including roles in independent production companies. However, many employees remain anxious about the implications of their decisions, considering past experiences where departing employees received substantial payouts without job redundancy.

The VEP was introduced as part of RTÉ’s broader strategy to manage its financial crisis amid mounting pressure to cut costs. With 1,836 employees reported in its annual report for 2023, the broadcaster is navigating a complex landscape as it seeks to stabilize its operations.

As the clock ticks down to the first layoffs, RTÉ’s leadership must grapple with the fallout of these decisions, both for the organization and its remaining workforce. The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on RTÉ as it approaches this critical juncture.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.