THE publisher of The Scotsman newspaper is seeking to have its photography in Scotland predominantly provided by freelancers rather than staffers.
Says Johnston Press – which also publishes several local newspapers throughout Scotland – “a number of photographic and high street reception roles have been placed at risk [of redundancy]”.
The parts of the Johnston Press business affected are the Midlands and Scotland, because its operation elsewhere in the UK received enough applications for voluntary redundancy (on better-than-statutory terms), the deadline for which was the end of last month.
Just how many photographers will find themselves facing the prospect of compulsory redundancy depends partly on continuing negotiations – including with the National Union of Journalists. Some may have actually applied for voluntary redundancy, and are still awaiting a yes-or-no decision from the company.
The move from predominantly staff to predominantly freelance is expected to produce more freelance opportunities.
On the deadline for voluntary redundancy applications, it was being speculated that photographers would require to go freelance.
