Internal RTÉ analysis shows problems with VEP

An internal RTÉ analysis has revealed issues with the Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP), which aimed to facilitate staff cuts within the broadcaster. Despite extensive preparation of early exit packages for employees, only a small proportion received offers. The analysis pointed out several challenges in running the VEP, such as a narrow application window that put undue pressure on those considering leaving.

Moreover, the criteria for the voluntary exit programme were deemed restrictive, allowing redundancies only if a staff member's departure resulted in complete loss of their position or equivalent cost savings. Applications that did not meet these stringent criteria were excluded, according to records obtained under Freedom of Information.

The limited timeframe to execute the VEP, with a closing date for applications on May 26, 2025, added further strain to the process. This, coupled with the later opening of the scheme in April 2025, meant there was insufficient time to significantly overhaul the operational model behind the exits. The analysis noted that processing 134 early exit applicants required significant effort and cost for RTÉ's HR and finance departments, resulting in 40-plus offers made to staff.

However, with only a 60% acceptance rate, these figures highlight the ongoing challenges of the 2025 terms.

While the scheme demonstrated strong governance and consistency, ensuring fairness and standardization across RTÉ, the low take-up rate could have implications for future redundancy programs within the organization. The analysis suggested that achieving 300 exits would necessitate around 500 offers, if a similar situation were to recur.

RTÉ's five-year strategy aims to reduce its headcount by up to 400 by 2029, with 97 exits already completed in 2025, including 67 voluntary exits and 30 additional role suppressions. This has generated annual savings of €8.5 million from the current year onwards. Each voluntary exit program requires government approval, and RTÉ submitted a business case for the next scheme to the Department.

The broadcaster remains confident it can achieve the proposed number of exits over the five-year period, with plans to open a new VEP in the coming months with a longer application period than the 2025 VEP.