254 RTE workers apply for paid career break scheme
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THERE was a stampede of RTE staff looking to leave under its Incentivised Career Break scheme last year.
New figures showed 254 workers – or 8% of the workforce – applied for paid time off.
Such was the volume of applicants for the scheme, where those taking a year off get an upfront payment of €10,000, that RTE bosses refused 67 bids.
However, the 187 who were granted permission to leave represents a 133% rise on the 80 who availed of the scheme in 2016.
This followed 96 staff seeking a career break in 2015.
The vast majority of successful applicants opt for a four, eight or 12-week break where they receive €850 per month or 1.25% of gross salary. They are allowed to obtain alternative employment but must receive prior consent from RTE if they wish to work in a similar role with a different broadcaster or organisation. A spokesman said the 2017 ICB scheme “was part of an ongoing review of cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies, both short and longer term across RTE”.
He revealed the 67 applications were refused “for a variety of reasons, such as duration sought, resources required during period sought, duplicate applications”.
RTE’S Freedom Of Information unit declined to state how much was paid out in total under the ICB scheme last year or the top amount paid to a staff member.
It stated: “The ability of RTE to run and manage its business costs effectively is of significant importance to RTE.
“The majority of competitors are not required to release these records on the basis they are not subject to the Act.
The unit stated that the release of the records “would therefore be unfair to RTE and would put RTE’S competitors at an unfair commercial advantage”.