The NUJ says that a new round of job cuts have been announced today at Newsquest in Darlington, publisher of The Northern Echo, as a result of plans to merge the subbing teams for the weekly and daily newspapers.
According to the union, the proposed job cuts include axing two sub editors, one reporter, one assistant editor, a production editor, website assistant, librarian and graphic designer.
The plans also includes, says the NUJ, " forcing all sub editors to apply for posts within the new single team, which will be divided into three shifts".
Chris Morley, the union's Northern & Midlands Organiser, said: "The continued attack on editorial quality at a flagship centre like the Northern Echo through continued, deep and damaging job cuts shows the company's disdain for hard working staff and it is also clear Newsquest has no concern for quality journalism and the long-term future of its titles.
"Newsquest is too pre-occupied with servicing the massive debt Gannett built up to buy the UK group - Manchester United-style - and putting money into US shareholders' pockets. Our members are the company's best assets and they are sick of being treated with contempt with a seemingly endless pay freeze and other constant attacks on their terms and conditions by a management that appears to view its staff as an enemy."
According to the union, the proposed job cuts include axing two sub editors, one reporter, one assistant editor, a production editor, website assistant, librarian and graphic designer.
The plans also includes, says the NUJ, " forcing all sub editors to apply for posts within the new single team, which will be divided into three shifts".
Chris Morley, the union's Northern & Midlands Organiser, said: "The continued attack on editorial quality at a flagship centre like the Northern Echo through continued, deep and damaging job cuts shows the company's disdain for hard working staff and it is also clear Newsquest has no concern for quality journalism and the long-term future of its titles.
"Newsquest is too pre-occupied with servicing the massive debt Gannett built up to buy the UK group - Manchester United-style - and putting money into US shareholders' pockets. Our members are the company's best assets and they are sick of being treated with contempt with a seemingly endless pay freeze and other constant attacks on their terms and conditions by a management that appears to view its staff as an enemy."
- Another regional newspaper believed to be facing a shake-up is the Reading Post, where the subbing operation may be switched to Guildford and staff asked to reapply for posts.
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