RTE staff may have to take the bus or train to work more often in a move to cut budgets at the cash-strapped station.

Reports today say a document has been issued to certain staff asking them to use public transport between 7am and 11pm, as well as avoiding having taxis waiting around with their meters ticking.

First class and business class travel on airlines is also under the microscope, and staff traveling abroad are being asked to hire more economical cars such as family saloons.

The moves are said to have caused outrage among newsroom staff who argue that the unpredictable nature of news gathering often means last-minute taxis have to be booked.

Staff fear that the proposed cuts will hamper their news-gathering abilities if implemented.

A proposal shown to the NUJ union in the broadcaster also suggests that for the first time details of expenses paid to employees may be released under the Freedom of Information Act.

More to follow...

Online Editors