Journalists potentially affected by the planned closure of the Scottish edition of the News of the World – whether staff or freelance – are being urged to contact the National Union of Journalists to, says the union, “ensure their membership records are up to date or to join up”.
It comes as staff face redundancy and booked freelance shifts are scrapped, following an announcement yesterday that the News of the World is to publish its last edition on Sunday.
Says a statement issued by the NUJ's Scottish Office: “Emergency meetings are being arranged for members and non-members who are interested in joining or finding out more about the work of the NUJ.”
The NUJ is not recognised by the publishers of the News of the World, News International.
The statement also quotes Scottish Organiser, Paul Holleran, reiterating that union members are required to operate to a code of conduct and can seek the union's support should they ever be asked to breach it.
Holleran is quoted, saying: “NUJ members are expected to follow the union’s code of conduct which clearly outlines journalists’ ethical and professional responsibilities. Any member who refuses to breach the NUJ code of conduct will have the full support of the union.”
The NUJ's Scottish office can be contacted here by email and on 0141 248 6648.
