Five jobs are under threat as a result of a plan to centralise editorial functions at three Edinburgh titles.

Johnston Press plans to merge the subbing, picture desk and photographic operations The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News and Scotland on Sunday.

The plan has been brought forward following a report drawn up by John McLellan, who is currently editor of both The Scotsman and the Evening News.

It was set out to staff in a statement by The Scotsman Publications Ltd managing director Michael Johnston this week.

“Following a detailed review of The Scotsman Publications Ltd editorial functions, the company has announced a proposal to centralise the sub-editing function, picture desk and photographic unit to meet the needs of all titles,” the statement said.

“If implemented, the proposal will improve efficiency and place up to 5 roles at risk of redundancy. There would also be a reorganisation of casual shifts.

“Prior to implementation, we will consult extensively on an individual and collective basis.

“In the event this proposal goes ahead, the company will endeavour to minimise the impact of the proposal through voluntary redundancy and re-deployment to alternative positions within the company and the Group.”

Mr McLellan was appointed editor of The Scotsman last week, following the departure of Mike Gilson.

There is speculation that he will assume an editor-in-chief’s role with oversight of both the Evening News and Scotland on Sunday whose editor Les Snowdon also recently left.

Comments

One for whom the axe has fallen (02/03/2009 18:16:46)
They say that there will be five jobs under threat, but this will just be the start. Trust me – that’s how it all began in Eastbourne. Then there was the artwork studio, an editor and an ad department manager. Beware!