Latest news with #Voluntary
Sunday World
23-05-2025
- Business
- Sunday World
More than 300 RTÉ staff apply for voluntary exit programme
Payments for those who leave will be capped at €300,000 A total of 325 RTÉ workers have applied for a voluntary exit programme as the broadcaster aims to cut staff numbers by up to 400. The scheme that opened last month closed today. Payments for those who leave will be capped at €300,000. Workers who are approved will leave the organisation by the end of this year. In an email to staff this evening, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst said the voluntary exit programme (VEP) was now closed. 'I can confirm that we received a total of 325 applications,' he said. 'As you know, this VEP comprises a Voluntary Severance (VS) and Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) scheme and was open to employees who will have completed at least two years' continuous service on the date their employment ceases.' News in 90 Seconds - May 23rd He said applications would be approved only where a robust business case was made, and it could be confirmed that the role can be suppressed or that equivalent savings can be made by suppressing an alternative post and, or redeploying an employee into that role. Mr Bakhurst said applicants could choose to accept or decline an offer of VS or VER. 'Where decisions are straightforward and approved by RTÉ's leadership team and the RTÉ board's Remuneration and Management Committee, we will make every effort to allow these people leave the organisation as early as is practical, without unduly impacting our operations,' he said. 'All applications will go through a five-stage review process throughout the coming months, as previously outlined, with final decisions on all applications being made by the leadership team and final oversight by the RTÉ board's Remuneration and Management Committee.' He said a review of applications had already begun. Mr Bakhurst said while there may be exceptions, communication of final decisions would start from September 1, 'with exits of successful applicants taking place on October 31, November 30 and December 31'. Staff with over two years' continuous service on their departure date are eligible to apply. Those with between two and five years of service will receive four weeks' pay per year of service. Those with five to 10 years' service will receive five weeks' pay per year of service. Those working at RTÉ for more than 10 years will get six weeks' pay for every year of service. In a previous email to staff, Mr Bakhurst said any future exit scheme could be less financially beneficial than this one. He confirmed that the Department of Public Expenditure had given RTÉ approval to open the scheme this year. Senior management are not eligible to apply. The exit scheme was part of RTÉ's five-year strategy announced in 2023.
Barnama
18-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
Youths Urged To Join SRS To Boost KRT Security And Foster Unity
ARAU, May 18 (Bernama) -- Youths have been urged to join the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS) initiative, which plays a key role in enhancing security within Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRTs) and fostering a spirit of unity in the community from a young age. Director-general of the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud, said that youths' involvement in the SRS could help develop a sense of responsibility and concern for security in their respective residential areas. 'We strongly encourage youth involvement in SRS so they not only care about the security of their residential areas but also foster a spirit of unity and volunteerism from a young age. SRS is open to individuals aged 18 and above, and the government provides annual protection contributions for members,' he said.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Council confirms £200 cost of living payments to be paid to thousands this year
In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs A UK council has confirmed that it will be paying certain residents £200 to help with energy costs this year. The help comes through Salford Council's Household Support Fund scheme. This is a government-funded cost of living initiative which gives local councils pots of cash to help struggling households living in that area. Each council decides what help it will offer to residents, an you can only claim support from your local authority. The government gave Salford Council £4.8 million for its Household Support Fund this year following its extension. In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel Payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs. Salford's Winter Support Payment scheme will give cash to those over 65 who may be eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it or are still to apply for it. Last year, 92% of the 3,000 Salford residents who were eligible received a payment through the scheme. Energy and supermarket vouchers will be provided to those struggling to cover those costs. Alongside this, it will also be issuing holiday food vouchers to eligible children during school holidays and support additional council services, including housing and adult social care. The scheme will also fund Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes. According to the council, since the Househodl Support Fund started in 2021, Salford Council has received more than 50,000 applications. Those who want to apply for support can do so through Salford Council's website. The money will be managed and distributed by Salford City Council's Assist team. The Council has confirmed that residents do not need to be claiming benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund. However, those who do apply need to provide evidence that they are unable to cover the costs themselves. From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: 'This funding has made a real difference to people's lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don't go hungry during the school holidays. He continued: 'We're committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.'
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Migration Agency Helping Migrants In The US Return Home Voluntarily
12 May 2025 In a statement on Monday, the UN agency said it is supporting Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) – not deportation – for those who decide to leave the US. At the request of the US Government, IOM is helping people who register to go back to their countries of origin voluntarily. ' AVR is a well-established, rights-based approach that helps migrants navigate complex global migration systems, regain control over their lives, and make informed choices,' the agency said. Safe, dignified returns 'Our role is to ensure that those who lack the means to return on their own can do so in a safe, dignified, and informed way,' IOM added. The agency made it clear that the US determines its own policies on migration. ' IOM does not facilitate or implement deportations. Our involvement begins only after an individual gives informed consent to receive assistance.' In these instances, 'IOM ensures that people have access to accurate information and essential services, in line with international standards.' The announcement comes as the US seeks to expand deportation of undocumented migrants in continuation of a policy President Donald Trump began nearly 10 years ago under his first administration. He returned to office in January for a second term and has been cracking down on illegal immigration through raids, detentions and deportations. In a video posted to social media on Friday, President Trump said that he had signed an Executive Order 'to launch the first-ever self-deportation programme for illegal aliens,' offering free flights from the US and payment of an 'exit bonus.' Support for a life-changing decision IOM was established in 1951 and promotes humane and orderly migration. For decades the agency has supported AVR programmes in more than 100 countries, 'helping people without resources, legal options, or support return to their countries of origin safely and with dignity,' it said. IOM noted that in the US, ' many migrants face a challenging reality – navigating complex systems with limited options and resources,' and 'this initiative provides support to those who choose to return, helping them make a life-changing decision with care and clarity.'
Daily Record
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
High street chain Select shuts another store after closing 35 earlier this year
The reason for the closure of the site has not been confirmed A well-known high street fashion retailer, Select, has announced the closure of its Grantham store, set to shut its doors for the final time on May 10. The budget fashion chain broke the news to customers via a heartfelt message on the branch's Facebook page, stating: "It is with a heavy heart that we tell all our lovely customers that our store will be closing. "As far as we are aware our last trading day is May 10. I just want to take a minute to say thank you for all your support over the years." The announcement has sparked disappointment among locals, with one commenting: "We will soon have no clothing stores left in Grantham." Earlier in the year, Select had to close 35 of its 83 UK outlets, affecting around 40 employees. Following this, the company entered liquidation in April. Subsequently, Essence Fashion Limited took over the brand and 48 stores, including the Grantham location, reports the Mirror. Essence Fashion Limited was granted the rights to run the business under the Select Fashion name for six months, with an option to buy the company's assets later on. While the specific reason behind the Grantham store's closure remains unconfirmed, it's essential to recognise that store closures can happen for various reasons and do not necessarily indicate a company is struggling. Some outlets close when their tenancy expires or if they're not as profitable as other branches. Essence Fashion Limited has yet to provide an update on Select since its acquisition last month. Select Fashion, known for its women's clothing, accessories, and footwear, made its debut on the UK fashion scene in the 1980s. The brand faced administration in 2019, citing "tough" high street conditions, which threatened 1,800 jobs and 169 stores. It was subsequently rescued by Genus UK Limited, which also entered administration in 2022. Turkish businessman Cafer Mahiroglu later took ownership of the chain. By 2024, Select operated approximately 100 stores across the country but encountered financial difficulties in the summer, leading to a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). A CVA is a mechanism that allows a company to settle its debts over time while continuing to operate, often involving negotiations for lower rent with landlords. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
