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Jobs at risk under regional daily restructure

A regional daily newspaper has announced plans for a restructure which could see six staff members made redundant. Staff at the Daily Echo, Bournemouth, were told last week of proposals to axe four editorial positions and two in newspaper sales and promotions.

In an internal memo seen by HTFP, Newsquest Dorset managing director Vincent Boni told staff the changes were being made in the face of ‘significant shortfalls in revenue in key categories’.

Nine staff have been told they are at risk of redundancy, while further savings would be made with a review of all freelance contributors.

The restructure comes on top of a number of redundancies which occurred as a result of the paper’s subbing operation being moved to a new production hub at the Dorset Echo in Weymouth.

Staff estimate that there are already 18 fewer editorial staff employed at the paper than in autumn 2008.

Mr Boni said in his announcement: “As we are all aware, trading patterns are still proving challenging and irrespective of the reduction in Dorset’s cost base last year, the company faces significant shortfalls in revenue in key categories.

“This has lead to the need to identify additional efficiency savings to streamline the business.

“Continuing the review of the Newsquest Dorset operations, certain areas have been highlighted where potential efficiencies could be made.

“The company is therefore proposing to restructure and reduce staffing levels. A consequence of this will present job at risk situations with potential redundancies.”

Under the restructure, current head of content and new media Andy Martin will become assistant editor, creating a vacancy for his role.

This will be filled internally by either the deputy or assistant head of content and new media, with the unsuccessful candidate set to be made redundant.

Meanwhile three multimedia sports reporters will be competing for two roles, while the position of chief librarian is also under threat.

And also at risk is the paper’s New Forest district reporter, with responsibility for covering that area set to be transferred to Southampton-based sister title the Southern Daily Echo.

Non-editorial roles at risk of redundancy include those of field sales and promotions executive.

Mr Boni said a 30-day consultation would run until 1 April with the option of voluntary redundancy for those affected and the possibility of applying for other internal roles.