Huw Edwards says BBC ‘redundancy letter’ was ‘standard HR exercise’
The BBC asked senior presenters if they would be open to voluntary redundancy as part of a cost-cutting exercise
Huw Edwards has broken his silence following reports that he received a redundancy letter from the BBC.
The 61-year-old veteran broadcaster was among top presenters asked by the corporation if they would be open to taking voluntary redundancy.
It forms part of a cost-cutting drive by the BBC, which is looking at restructuring its news division in a bid to save money.
The BBC reportedly wrote to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them if they would be open to voluntary redundancy.
However, Mr Edwards took to social media to play down the reports, labelling it a “standard HR exercise”.
He wrote on Twitter: “Reality check. A standard HR exercise by BBC News (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.”
The letter from Philippa Busby, the interim managing editor of news and current affairs, was sent to a number of high profile names.
Ms Busby’s letter, seen by the Mail on Sunday, said: “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.”
A source said: “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.”
Presenters had until last Friday to register their interest.
The move was a bid by the BBC to cut the number of compulsory redundancies.
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.”
The 61-year-old veteran broadcaster was among top presenters asked by the corporation if they would be open to taking voluntary redundancy.
It forms part of a cost-cutting drive by the BBC, which is looking at restructuring its news division in a bid to save money.
The BBC reportedly wrote to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them if they would be open to voluntary redundancy.
However, Mr Edwards took to social media to play down the reports, labelling it a “standard HR exercise”.
He wrote on Twitter: “Reality check. A standard HR exercise by BBC News (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.”
The letter from Philippa Busby, the interim managing editor of news and current affairs, was sent to a number of high profile names.
Ms Busby’s letter, seen by the Mail on Sunday, said: “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.”
A source said: “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.”
Presenters had until last Friday to register their interest.
The move was a bid by the BBC to cut the number of compulsory redundancies.
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.”