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154 jobs understood to be at risk at DC Thomson

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

April 18, 2012 | 3 min read

Newspaper and magazine publisher DC Thomson has today told staff that 154 jobs are at risk of redundancy.

Chairman Andrew F Thomson confirmed the job cuts but said "fewer than 95 people" will leave the business as some will be redeployed in new roles.

It is understood editorial posts will not be affected. The bulk of the jobs in danger are in the Dundee-based production and distribution departments.

In an email to staff, Thomson said that having spent £25m on a new printing plant in Kingsway, the business now required "very different staffing levels".

He wrote: "The cost of producing and distributing our titles to market is ever-increasing, which is why we’ve made the decision to invest and modernise, rather than to see our business decline.

"All of these changes will have an impact on everyone at the company, but specifically those directly affected by this modernisation.

"We have announced our intention to enter into consultation with Dundee staff members in Production, Transport and Distribution, Facilities, Circulation, the Programme Management Office, Photosetting, Digital Print and the Front Counter of the Meadowside retail shop."

Thomson went on to say that the publisher is "actively considering" having third parties distribute its titles.

The company publishes from Dundee newspapers including The Sunday Post and The Courier, magazines such as My Weekly and the People's Friend and comics such as the Beano and Dandy.

A spokesperson for the company said, “These proposed changes are necessary to ensure a strong future for the business. We intend to work with our staff to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this difficult period.

“Following careful consideration of all aspects, we have chosen to invest more than £25m in the new plant in Kingsway and reshape our Meadowside operation, which – alongside other changes we’re making – should stand us in good stead for the future. The cost of producing and distributing our titles to market is ever-increasing, which is why we’ve made the decision to invest and modernise, rather than to see our business decline.

“As part of the project to refurbish our printing facility at Kingsway, we will install a new press and upgrade some of our existing equipment in Dundee. The new, more cost-effective compact press model will deliver value, automation and performance features that, as printers and publishers, we require not only to stay competitive in the market, but also to create new opportunities.

“We very much regret having to make these proposals. DC Thomson is grateful to all those who work at our Dundee sites.”

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