Up to 60 DC Thomson jobs to go at Aberdeen Journals in outsourcing plans
Scottish media giant DC Thomson has warned that nearly 60 jobs could go at Aberdeen Journals – publishers of the Press and Journal, Evening Express and free newspaper Aberdeen Citizen.
The jobs are at risk in the transport, circulation and finance departments following the announcement by the Dundee-headquarted media conglomerate on plans to change how the Press and Journal and Evening Express are distributed.
The newspapers would be delivered and collected by an external provider – likely to be John Menzies.
Announcing its intention to enter into consultation with staff members in Aberdeen and Inverness, the company said it was “actively considering the option of outsourcing to a third party provider for the distribution of its Aberdeen titles, The Press and Journal and Evening Express”.
A DC Thomson statement quotes Ellis Watson, chief executive officer for publishing (newspapers and magazines), as saying: “We have been working hard to assess how our business can meet the challenges of the dramatic changes in the publishing industry and the turbulent economy.
“We are one of the last publishers in the country still distributing our own titles. The cost of producing and distributing to market is ever-increasing, which is why we’ve had to make this decision to outsource, rather than to see our business decline.
“We are working with our affected staff members to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this difficult period.
“By facing the challenges head-on and investing for a new era, we will maintain a strong position on the newsstands and continue our important role as an employer for the future.”
DC Thomson bought Aberdeen Journals from Northcliffe in 2006 in a deal worth £132 million.