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Sports journalists affected as Iliffe furloughs 30 editorial staff

Iliffe Media logoAn independent publisher has placed 30 editorial staff on furlough leave – with sports journalists among those affected.

Iliffe Media has become the latest newspaper group to take advantage of the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme after putting around 26pc of the company’s employees on paid leave.

The editorial staff affected mainly work in areas where their “volume of work has decreased”, such as sport.

Regional publishers JPIMedia, Newsquest and the Midlands News Association have all announced similar measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the Press Association confirmed earlier this week that 44 of its sports journalists would be placed on the government scheme.

An Iliffe Media Group spokesman told HTFP: “In line with most other publishers, we have furloughed a number of staff in order to protect the business during this temporary period of disruption.

“Approximately a quarter of our colleagues are furloughed. In editorial, we have focused on areas where the volume of work has decreased, such as sport and 30 journalists are affected.

“Staff, both those furloughed and those remaining, have responded to the situation with unwavering professionalism and understanding, for which we are very grateful.

“We look forward to welcoming our colleagues back as soon as circumstances allow.”