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Eight jobs to go as sister dailies cut subbing operation

EllisEight subbing jobs are set to be lost at two sister dailies amid what bosses termed “incredibly tough” trading.

Publisher DC Thomson is to enter into consultation with staff at Dundee titles The Courier and Evening Telegraph over the proposal, with no timescale for the redundancies yet formally announced.

Announcing the measure, DC Thomson chief executive of publishing Ellis Watson, left, said he hoped the cuts will be made via a voluntary process.

NUJ Scotland is understood to be involved in discussions with the company over the moves but has made no formal statement as yet.

Said Ellis: “Over recent weeks, with cost savings as a driver, we’ve been reviewing the editorial side of our Dundee newspapers operation to make it more efficient and contemporary.

“Trading is incredibly tough and the challenges facing us in the industry are by no means easy; falling circulation figures and digital contenders.

“It’s hoped that the proposed reduction of eight sub-editor posts can be achieved through a voluntary process and we are working with our affected staff members to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this difficult period.

“Timings and plans are subject to consultation and the company will do everything possible to support affected employees.”

8 comments

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  • February 12, 2015 at 12:52 pm
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    We keep hoping all this job bloodletting will stop but it goes on and on. Is anyone safe?

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  • February 12, 2015 at 1:15 pm
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    I love that “we are working with our affected staff members to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this difficult period.” For the eight subs going the definite outcome is loss of income, loss of security, possible loss of home/kids’ schools, and loss of the reassuring routine of work that shapes some people’s whole identity. If that’s the “best possible outcome” then the astute Mr Ellis Watson is a far profounder man than me… but as he’s a suit that’s a certainty.

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  • February 12, 2015 at 2:23 pm
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    Nobody has a job for life these days… do they?

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  • February 12, 2015 at 3:24 pm
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    Surely better than kicking them out of the back door with no options and only statutory redundancy Dick

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  • February 12, 2015 at 3:39 pm
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    I have to say, after welcoming the new look HTFP there seems to be a very ‘samey’ feel to the content?

    More good news please HTFP!

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  • February 12, 2015 at 4:43 pm
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    Yes I think we all long for some genuine good news (not bull and spin from well-heeled executives). People being offered decent, well-paid jobs would be a good start, instead of the other direction. Will we ever see it again?

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  • February 13, 2015 at 1:09 pm
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    Eight fewer subs? No indication that the number of pages will be reduced. Perhaps those eight to go will be the lucky ones, or rather the less unlucky ones?

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