The number of jobs set to be lost in changes to Reach plc’s print production operation could be as high as 41, the company has confirmed.
HTFP revealed yesterday that up to six roles are set to be lost at Reach’s seven Midlands dailies – the Birmingham Mail, Burton Mail, Coventry Telegraph, Derby Telegraph, Leicester Mercury, Nottingham Post and Stoke-on-Trent daily The Sentinel – amid plans to merge print production across the region into a single operation.
But now the company has now confirmed the same model is set to be introduced across the country – with potentially 41 jobs being put at risk as a result.
Reach has declined to give a regional breakdown of where the roles are likely to be lost, but in addition to the six Midlands roles reported by HTFP yesterday, Press Gazette has reported that eight roles at risk are based in the North-West of England, with a further eight in the South-East.
The remaining 19 roles are likely to be split across Reach’s other operating regions, namely Wales, the South West and the North East.
Reach Midlands editor-in-chief Marc Reeves has told staff he hoped the cuts in that region could be achieved entirely through voluntary redundancies but it is not clear whether this also applies to the other regions.
A Reach spokesman said: “Our investment in rolling out a common system allows us to introduce a common production model across Regionals editorial.
“This means regional teams will now work more closely together than ever before, which enables us to refine our workflows.
“Our priority is to focus on our long-term success and we believe this will strengthen our ability to deliver first class content to our print and digital audiences.
“These proposals mean a potential reduction of up to 41 roles across Reach Regionals and we have begun consultation with all colleagues affected.”
Sign up for our free daily email bulletin
Follow HTFP on Twitter
Got a story? Email the Editor at
Haven’t the top bods realised yet that it’s always better to make these kinds of announcement after Christmas?
Report this comment
I’m amazed that Reach still have staff to cull.
Report this comment
Good luck to the ones who will be going, you won’t be suprised to know that life outside of regional papers is so much better. Grab a good package and run!
Report this comment
FormerJourno, for staff morale, definitely, but that’s not what they care about. They want the consultations done and next year’s budgets agreed before the start of the new financial year. As long as the shareholders get their dividends in June, all is well.
Report this comment
Before long there’ll be one sub left, working on stories from Bristol to Liverpool, from Plymouth to Leicester. I pity the poor readers (and the sub)
Report this comment
If we sent a few execs from Reach, Newsquest, JP etc. to appear on “I’m A Celebrity…” each November then we could save a few jobs every year and show them what it’s like to live in difficult circumstances as well. Or we could encourage more union membership…
Report this comment
@Former journo
@Oliver is correct, anyone with an ounce of decency, sympathy or empathy would make this type of decision mid year but this is all about getting the number of FTEs down, cutting the wage bill and getting their ducks in row by year end, it’s about how the books look rather than an thought to the consequences for the staff affected. I was going to say ‘ poor’ staff affected but as @DaveS pointed out, life outside of the bigger regional groups is great, there are decent employers,better working conditions, less BS and a better quality of life out there at the new publishing groups so grab the pay off and watch the whole house of cards implode from a distance.
Good luck to the 41!
Report this comment
No cutbacks on the £1million per year CEO then?? Nah, never. Less staff = smaller company, same big money, because they think they’re worth it. Local paper management don’t deserve their huge salaries of course, but no one stops their gravy train…
Report this comment
Reach have no interest in Print media, shame they kept on buying up titles then culling them. Also its never the “top level” they get culled, they continue pig down on the remaining profits. The CEO is ridiculous over paid if he gets £1 million per year.
Report this comment
Nice to find out what’s going on from this website rather than be told by our own managers… Good luck to any and all who may be affected.
Report this comment
Best of luck to a great set of lads at Oldham. Had many years excellent service from all staff there.
Nil carborundum illegitimi, that’s for Dave.
Report this comment