Rté Presenter Files High Court Case Over Contractor Status

Walsh, who began working at RTÉ in 2014 and presented the early morning programme Breakfast Republic until 2020, filed papers in the High Court naming RTÉ as a defendant earlier this week. He is being represented by Hammerstones Solicitors. The case centres on Walsh's classification as a freelancer rather than a full-time employee.

He is seeking a declaration from the High Court that he was unfairly dismissed, as well as damages for wrongful dismissal. A plenary summons states that the former presenter is suing RTÉ for damages and reliefs for what he claims is breach of contract, loss, inconvenience and expense arising from his classification as a contractor. Walsh also claims he is entitled to pension contributions, annual leave, overtime and other contractual entitlements from the time of his employment.

RTÉ has faced similar complaints from other individuals who believe they were incorrectly classified as contractors, in a practice known as 'bogus self-employment'. The broadcaster became mired in controversy over the practice a number of years ago when it emerged it had wrongly misclassified workers as independent contractors.