Journalists have been furloughed after a regional publisher announced production would be suspended on some of its titles.

HTFP understands Archant has furloughed all staff working on its regional ‘Life’ magazines for four weeks.

At least 25 editorial staff are thought to be affected by the measure.

Design, accounts, sales and support staff who work on the magazines have also been furloughed.

Affected staff will return to work on 25 February, when production will resume on the monthly titles.

The magazines will now go to press once production resumes next month, with readers and clients receiving their March and April editions slightly later in the month than would be expected.

Despite the break in production, the company still plans to publish the same number of editions over the course of the year, which varies between 12 and 13 according to the title.

In a memo announcing the move, which has been seen by HTFP, Archant’s chief people and transformation officer Dee Willmott said: “I want to express a massive thank you to each and every individual on the various teams affected for their tremendous response and for their continued commitment to the business.

“We understand the challenges across the organisation and the sacrifices being made in ensuring the sustainability of the company, the collective spirit being shown enforces the message that we can look forward to more positive times in the spring.”

Editions of the ‘Life’ series mostly cover entire counties, although some cover areas such as the Cotswolds.

Archant has not so far responded to request from HTFP for a comment on the issue.