Huge job cuts hit Manchester Evening News

1 February 2006

More than a fifth of journalists at the Manchester Evening News are to lose their jobs, managers told stunned staff at a meeting today (1/2/06).

A total of 35 jobs will go at the paper – eight clerical and 27 journalists. This represents 22.3% of the total editorial staff.

None of the six existing photographers will be kept on as pictures will be supplied by agencies and casuals.

Initially voluntary redundancies will be sought and staff have just a week to come forward. The cuts will be implemented by 3 March.

The features and news subs’ desks will be merged. It is also possible that one or more district offices may be closed. The future of the recently launched glossy, V magazine, is also to be reviewed.

Staff were also told that they would be required to work more ‘flexibly’ in the mornings, evenings and at weekends.

Managers told staff the changes were based on data supplied by management consultants Collinson Grant. When it was asked whether staff might see this data, the answer was, ‘no, you will simply have to trust management on this one’.

The reason given for the cuts was that recruitment advertising was down and that profit forecasts were not good. However, last year saw record profits of £32 million.

NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: “We see no need whatsoever for these shocking redundancies, to the contrary, the company should be investing more in good journalists and good journalism.

“There has been talk of broadening the digital presence and if this is the case jobs should be transferred not lost. We will not tolerate compulsory redundancies.”

Formal talks between NUJ and management began early this afternoon and will be followed by a chapel meeting. Union reps will be recommending a ballot for industrial action if there are any compulsory redundancies.

FOR MORE INFO SEE www.nuj.org.uk

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