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Johnston Press NUJ

NUJ says it has 'no confidence' in Johnston Press' West Yorkshire Publishing Unit MD

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

May 23, 2012 | 2 min read

The managing director of the West Yorkshire Publishing Unit, Helen Oldham, has received a declaration of ‘no confidence’ from the NUJ Yorkshire Weekly Newspaper Group Chapel following the announcement by Johnston press that its weekly titles would be reorganised.

The reorganisation of the editorial departments of the Wakefield Express, Hemsworth and South Elmsall Express and Pontefract and Castleford Express, are likely to see the loss of five jobs, the NUJ has said.

Following Oldham’s apparent non-attendance at the announcement of the reorganisation, the NUJ chapel has said that it believes she has shown a ‘complete lack of compassion and disregard’ for both the newspapers and staff, having recently said that there were no immediate plans to make staff changes.

Chris Morley, NUJ Northern & Midlands organiser said: “Cuts in the number of journalists at Yorkshire Weekly Newspapers – when Johnston Press continues to trumpet that ‘life is local’ – seems nonsensical. So while our members are struggling to keep pace with the demands of providing quality local content, it is entirely wrong that the company fails to properly and sensitively discuss its requirements with those who are directly affected.

“Johnston Press has a track record in provoking the anger of members for trying to push through change too far and too quickly, without proper reference to the union. I therefore urge managers to act sensibly and without provocation," added Morley.

Johnston Press NUJ

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