The BBC has reportedly sent letters offering voluntary redundancy to some of its top presenters as it looks to cut expenditure in its news division.
The corporation’s interim managing editor of news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, wrote to all of its senior TV and radio presenters – including Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie, Reeta Chakrabarti and Sophie Raworth – at the beginning of this month, according to the Mail on Sunday.
Her letter, seen by the publication, stated: “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.”
The letter asked staff who “would like to consider potentially leaving the BBC under voluntary redundancy” to arrange a meeting with its senior HR executive Tim Burden. They were given until 7 April to register their interest.
A source told the Mail on Sunday that the letters, which they said had caused staff morale to plummet, had been “addressed to all senior news presenters and presenters on the band immediately below”.
Edwards sought to play down concerns on Sunday that the BBC could lose some of its biggest talent. He tweeted:
Reality check. A standard HR exercise by @BBCNews (one of many over the years) is just that. A standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy. Nothing more. As my mam says, don't believe everything in the papers. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/iahxq6SNip
— ℍ𝕦𝕨 𝔼𝕕𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤 (@thehuwedwards) April 16, 2023
A BBC 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.”
Many areas of the BBC have faced cuts recently, with the corporation saying it has been forced to act by the government’s licence fee freeze. Up to 70 job cuts have been expected in the news division after the BBC announced plans to merge its UK and international news channels.
The BBC changed course last week on its proposed cuts to its English orchestras after pressure from musicians, the public and politicians. It also reversed its decision to scrap the BBC Singers chamber choir, which would have resulted in the loss of 20 posts.
The corporation has announced deep cuts in its local radio and World Service output that will result in the loss of hundreds of jobs.
