Scottish daily newspaper may make editor redundant
A Scottish daily newspaper has announced that it may make its editor redundant. The Paisley Daily Express, now published by a Trinity Mirror division Scottish & Universal Newspapers is seen as an institution in what is Scotland's largest town.
But the company has announced that the position of its editor, Anne Dalrymple, is now subject to a 30-day consultation process; a legal requirement before the post can be made redundant.
Trinity Mirror told website allmediascotland.com: “As part of an ongoing review of the business, S&UN has announced a number of proposed changes to the editorial management structure at the Paisley Daily Express. The Paisley Daily Express, together with its associated free publication, the Renfrewshire World, will become part of the Ayrshire/West region of S&UN.
"Consequently, the [region-wide] group editor [Alan Woodison] will now assume responsibility for these titles and, in order to support senior editorial staff and oversee the change process, will be based at the Paisley office with immediate effect.
"As a result of these changes it is proposed that the role of editor at the Paisley Daily Express will be made redundant and the company has entered into a period of consultation with the member of staff affected."
The National Union of Journalists issued a motion about the move which said: "The Paisley Daily Express Chapel unanimously opposes the management's decision to make the permanent, full-time editor's position redundant as of January 13, 2011. As the only daily title within S&UN, the Paisley Daily Express needs a full-time editor maintain the standards and integrity of the publication. The chapel urges management to reinstate the post immediately.”
Dalrymple told allmediascotland.com: "The matter of my proposed redundancy and the manner in which it was carried out is with the NUJ and an employment law solicitor. I have been advised not to say anything more at the present time."
The newspaper, known locally as the 'wee Express' to distinguish if from its London namesake, has a circulation of around 8.000.