The BBC has reportedly sent redundancy letters to high profile names including newsreaders Huw Edwards, Reeta Chakrabarti, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth. They have been given the chance to take voluntary redundancy as reports suggest the BBC is taking steps to save costs.
The offer has been dished out by Philippa Busby, the interim managing editor of news and current affairs, and sent to stars of BBC1 and Radio 4, The Irish Mirror reports.
The Mail on Sunday broke the news, sharing details of the alleged letter sent by Ms Busby. They report that the letter states: “As you will be aware, in 2022 we announced a number of changes across BBC News which have meant that some colleagues have been placed at risk of redundancy, including some colleagues in presenter roles.”
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The letter goes on to propose staff who “would like to consider potentially leaving the BBC under voluntary redundancy” to arrange a meeting with Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Tim Burden.
While a source in the newsroom told the publication: “The email is addressed to all senior news presenters and presenters on the band immediately below. Everyone got it on the same day.
“Senior figures in TV news, including Huw Edwards, Sophie Raworth, Clive Myrie and Reeta Chakrabarti, have received the letter. It's also been sent to the main presenters on Radio 4's Today programme.”
When asked for comment by The Mirror, the BBC confirmed the news - but instead suggested it isn't about new job cuts but rather sending the option to those on the same pay grade.
A spokesperson said: “This isn’t about any new job cuts - it’s a standard HR exercise relating to savings we’ve announced previously - and it’s not targeting any individuals; we have to send it to everyone who’s at the same grade.
“We’re looking for expressions of interest in redundancy, not offering it, and it’s not the case that any or everyone who came forward would be accepted."
A source also told the Mirror that the letters proposing voluntary redundancy related to previously announced savings programmes across BBC News.
The source also said that the BBC took the step in an attempt to avoid enforced redundancies - with the letters of suggested voluntary redundancy being issued to those at risk of redundancy and to those of a similar level of seniority in order to give the corporation greater flexibility in terms of redistributing talent.
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