Scottish publisher DC Thomson to cut 15 jobs

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Publisher DC Thomson is to cut a total of 15 editorial jobs, with journalists having until today apply for voluntary redundancy.

The editorial team at Glasgow's Sunday Post newspaper is to be cut by more than half, with 10 job losses out of a team of 19.

The National Union of Journalists has described the redundancy process as a "complete farce".

The Dundee-based company, which publishes the Dundee Courier, the Evening Telegraph, the Sunday Post and the Weekly News, plus consumer magazines and comics including the Beano, called a meeting on 2 March in which staff members were shown a presentation entitled 'Our Future in Newspapers'.

Paul Holleran, the NUJ's national organiser for Scotland, told Journalism.co.uk that the staff cuts came as a "complete shock" to journalists.

Holleran claimed: "They were asked to volunteer for redundancy on the spot" and said there were forms for people to sign at the meeting. "There were no timescales, conditions or figures mentioned at all," he added.

"People are really concerned about their jobs," Halleran said. "They also say the targets in terms of number of pages is unachievable and they are worried about stress and conditions for those who remain."

DC Thomson sent Journalism.co.uk a written statement in response:

"Timescales and figures will be addressed with individuals throughout the consultation period and would never be discussed in an open forum. Donald Martin, Editor-in-Chief, has already started to visit the various offices to answer questions about the proposals. Our editorial processes are being modernised as we are aiming to move closer to industry standards.

"We appreciate that these are difficult circumstances and we have assured all staff that we will attempt to minimise redundancy by seeking voluntary redundancies, managing vacancies, staff turnover, and through redeployment wherever possible.

"Our process is professional and fair. We understand that some staff in Glasgow are upset and a number of discussions will be held with all staff involved. This will include providing specific relocation options to Glasgow staff for a number of vacancies within the company. All those at risk will be given priority when applying for internal vacancies."

The NUJ has parked a trailer with a large poster in front of the DC Thomson Dundee car park offering help to affected staff.