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Union urges rethink on publisher’s pre-Christmas cuts plans

nujlogoUnion chiefs have issued a warning to a regional publisher over plans to cut more than 20 production journalists over the Christmas period.

The National Union of Journalists has warned Newsquest’s plans to make staff working at its Newport production hub redundant over the festive period could ben deemed as “unfair”, with the possibility of a protective award if the company is found to have failed to consult properly.

It was reported earlier this week that up to 20 production staff based in Newport could lose their jobs, but the NUJ has now claimed 26 out of 39 journalists working there could be made redundant.

A consultation with affected staff began on Tuesday and is set to run until Thursday 29 December.

However, the union says running such a consultation through the Christmas period means Newsquest “risks operating an unfair procedure”.

It claims any dismissals could potentially be unfair on an individual basis, while there could be the possibility of a protective award if the company is found to have failed to consult properly.

John Toner, NUJ national organiser for Wales, said: “Newsquest should have an immediate re-think about its plans and come up with an acceptable schedule.

“Being made redundant is a terrible experience at any time of the year, but it is especially heartless when you are compelled to endure a redundancy consultation during the Christmas period.

“The NUJ will ensure its members are fully supported throughout this process.”

HTFP has approached Newsquest for further comment.  Last week a company spokesman said: “Improvements in the workflow in our newsrooms have reduced the need for as many copy editors in the copy editing hubs, and therefore a consultation has been started about a possible reduction in staff numbers.”

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  • December 8, 2016 at 11:09 am
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    And a happy Christmas to you as well. People have slaved all hours in this office to bring your papers out, and were proud to do so, and now to do this over the Christmas period is appalling. You have no morals, but be warned, what goes round comes around – even bosses can be made redundant. So much for the Investors in People Award. Enjoy your Christmas dinners.

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