Union members at Archant Norfolk have accused bosses of presiding over a farcical redundancy consultation process with staff.

The company announced on Friday that it was looking to lose the equivalent of 54 full-time editorial posts from the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News and associated weeklies and websites and implement a new editorial system.

The National Union of Journalists chapel met yesterday and says it wants to join with readers and opinion formers to show management the depth of anger in the community at the likely effects of the plans.

Pete Kelley, father of the Archant Norfolk Chapel, said: “The process, so far, has been a farce and reflects badly, to put it politely, on a company which says these changes are about quality.

“If another company had issued a list, for redundancy purposes, which had one person down twice and others with job titles around three years out of date, we’d be writing a story about it. We are seeking legal advice.

“Archant has, to its credit, entered the economic downturn in a strong position, compared to other media companies with for example very low debt.

“It is particularly difficult, therefore, for us to understand these disproportionate job cuts.”

Archant released its year-end financial figures for 2008 today which showed that, despite a decline in revenue, it had an operating profit of £22m.

The union says it plans to challenge the legality of the consultation process and claims the views of senior editorial bosses, including editors, have been bypassed during the process to radically redesign newsrooms.

A company spokesman said: “As Archant Norfolk has now entered into a consultation on this issue we are unable to add any further comment at this time.”

Comments

Edna (11/03/2009 10:50:10)
Why are they making cuts in the newsrooms when the company is still profitable?
Decisions being made are being done to maintain the income and bonus levels of the top management and the shareholders.

disgruntled journalist (12/03/2009 12:05:30)
Archant South West this week told the studio, planning and production staff at Exeter they will have to relocate to Weston Supermare and merge with the department there in yet ANOTHER round of cost cuts. Although they have been told there are vacancies, there won’t be jobs for everyone. Many people are unwilling to travel the distance after being told they will not be offered a relocation package.
This comes months after Exmouth and Sidmouth reporters were relocated to Exetre after the company closed two satelite offices and imposed redundancies across the board at Archant South West. Come on Archant – £22million in PROFIT and you are still slashing staffing levels – expecting those left behind to pick up the pieces and take on extra responsibility on top of already punishing workloads. Commitment is one of the four core values of Archant – it’s a pity the company doesn’t remember its commitment to its loyal staff when it’s getting rid of people left, right and centre.
Morale is already at an all-time low – but to hear people are losing their jobs at a time when the company is raking in a profit – just so it can make even more – smacks of greed and makes those left behind feel worthless.