The summer seems set to be a harsh one for the Irish newspaper business, as both Independent News and Media and the Sunday Business Post set about shedding jobs.
In INM’s case, management confirmed to the National Union of Journalists this week that it is seeking a further 20 voluntary redundancies from its main editorial workforce in Dublin’s Talbot Street, following the recent departure of 10 staff, as it reduces its total employee numbers in Ireland by more than 100.
The redundancies are expected to be concentrated in the production side, as the company presses ahead with the rationalisation of the print production operations of the Irish Independent and the Herald .
Less favourable
Journalists at INM are expected to receive three weeks' pay on top of their statutory entitlement to two weeks' pay for each year of service, with the total sum capped at two years' salary.
Post Publications Ltd, which is in examinership, has offered the slightly less favourable terms of twice the statutory entitlement. It is looking for the immediate departure of between five and 10 employees, and will implement a 7 per cent pay cut.
Up to 25 redundancies are likely to be sought by Post Publications Ltd – a figure the NUJ described as “unrealistic”. However, with a sale of the company yet to be agreed, all 76 jobs at the title continue to hang in the balance.
