[newsjunkie]

It’s not standard in a workplace to send staff letters asking them to consider voluntary redundancy. You’d only do it when you’re planning to make staff redundant. We know they’re cutting the number of presenters due to the merger of the channels and this is clearly part of that process.

Maybe not standard practice, but it happened in my newsroom relatively recently (though didn't receive this kind of coverage). Certain roles (including the presenters) were not covered but several people took redundancy.

It was more about seeing if any of the highest earning staff would be interested in leaving, with them being able to be replaced with younger (and cheaper) colleagues. As it is voluntary (I believe) you don't have to be reducing the roles available, but can be a good way of saving money. Also just because someone applies, doesn't mean the bosses have to accept it if they don't want to lose that person.

Regular rounds of VR can also be good for creating opportunities for ambitious young members of staff too who might otherwise move to a rival for a new opportunity.

That's not to say it doesn't create anxiety for those who fear they are being encouraged to leave.