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Job cuts inquiry ruled out by Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament has ruled out a full inquiry into job cuts in Scotland’s media industry, despite concerns over the potential impact on democracy.

It is estimated that around 400 posts could go north of the border through redundancies at companies such as Johnston Press, Trinity Mirror and Newsquest, as well as the BBC and Scottish Television. The parliament’s research centre was commissioned to report on the changes.

But after considering the findings, members of the Enterprise and Culture Committee of the Scottish Parliament have voted not to have a full-scale inquiry.

Committee chairman Alex Neil MSP told HoldtheFrontPage they had decided not to act, as they were busy with other matters, but would instead be watching how things progressed.

He said: “We have decided for the time being not to have a full-scale inquiry.

“We didn’t think there was much we could do as a parliament as most of the issues are reserved to Westminster, but we are obviously concerned as the media is an important to democracy.”

At Newsquest it is thought that up to 70 posts have gone at The Herald, Evening Times and Sunday Herald, while Trinity Mirror titles hit by redundancies include the Paisley Daily Express.