STAFF at Johnston Press – the publishers of The Scotsman and several Scots local newspapers – have been offered ‘enhanced’ terms in an appeal for voluntary redundancy applications.
Says the publisher, in a memo to staff, despite “green shoots” (of recovery) contained within its latest financial results, in August, “we are still operating in an extremely challenging financial environment”.
Applications to its ‘Enhanced Voluntary Redundancy Programme’ require to be submitted by the 25th of next month, October.
With some exceptions, the terms on offer include:
• Three weeks per year of service (Johnston says the previous offer was two weeks) capped at 20 years’ service; and
• Maximum of £40,000 (again, says Johnston, the previous was £30,000).
Adds the memo, applications to reduce working hours, take a career break, etc will also be welcomed.
Tweeted the Scottish Organiser of the National Union of Journalists, Paul Holleran: “Johnston Press seek voluntary redundancies across the group with enhanced deal. Generous offer but we need more staff not less.”
