A decline in online page views has prompted a regional publisher to launch a voluntary redundancy scheme for editorial staff.

Reach plc has announced journalists staff can apply for VR following a hit to digital revenue at the business.

The move comes a week after Reach revealed it is exploring the idea of more paid-for online content to arrest a slump in revenue following a recent decline in page views, which the company has attributed to changes to Facebook’s algorithms.

The publisher has already undertaken multiple rounds of cuts in the first half of 2023, affecting hundreds of journalists across the group with regional titles bearing the brunt.

Regional editors who have departed the group this year include Adam Moss of the Leicester Mercury, Julie Crouch of the Burton Mail, Jamie Macaskill of the Hull Daily Mail and Ian McNeal of the Teesside Gazette.

The fresh VR scheme was announced to staff this morning by chief digital publisher David Higgerson, pictured. HTFP understands Reach does not have a target for the number of voluntary redundancies it is aiming to achieve.

In the memo, which has been seen by HTFP, David said: “You will all be aware of the challenging trading conditions we’re operating in, with the sector-wide page view decline impacting current digital revenue.

“I know you and your teams are all working really hard to deliver our strategy while at the same time controlling the controllables and keeping a close eye on costs.

“We’ve had some questions/expressions of interest from within the editorial team about voluntary redundancy, and will look at ways to accommodate those requests if we can.

“So we’re formally opening a voluntary redundancy window across editorial from Monday 7 August.

“This will enable people to express their interest – doing so won’t represent a firm commitment at this stage, and equally we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to accommodate all requests.”

“Thanks for your support as we work together to navigate the current environment and continue making the strategic progress that is positioning us for success in the long-term.”

HTFP has approached Reach for further comment.