RTÉ to curb rehiring of staff joining €16m redundancy scheme

RTÉ STAFF who apply for redundancy will not be rehired by the organisation in any capacity without the consent of the director general.

The broadcaster is looking for at least 75 redundancies to make up a funding shortfall of €17 million this year caused by changes in the budget and a downturn in advertising revenues.

RTÉ has told staff who are considering the redundancy package that they will not, except in “exceptional circumstances”, be rehired either as an employee, independent contractor or through an employment agency and even then they will need the permission of director general Noel Curran.

Mr Curran resigned as RTÉ’s managing director of television last year and was rehired as a consultant to advise on sports rights before returning as director general six months later to replace Cathal Goan.

The reason for the stipulation in the present round of redundancies is to stop staff taking advantage of the package before being rehired at often more expensive freelance rates.

It does not, however, apply to those who go on to work for independent production companies supplying RTÉ with programmes.

In addition, staff will not be allowed to work or provide services for a rival broadcaster for a year after taking up the redundancy package without the consent of RTÉ.

“RTÉ, in considering whether to grant or withhold consent, will have regard to the position held by the person concerned in RTÉ and the nature of the position the person intends to take up in the broadcast or media organisation,” the broadcaster said.

Staff have until September 16th to apply for the package. It will cost €16 million upfront, but will save RTÉ €5 million a year.

Sources say the package has been well received and the numbers applying for it will likely exceed the number of redundancies required.

The broadcaster has made it clear that the 75 figure is a minimum, so it may take advantage of the uptake to slim its payroll further. The package has been pitched mostly at those coming up to retirement.

Those over 55 will receive an ex-gratia lump sum of up to €60,000 depending on age.