Guardian News and Media has confirmed that it’s considering outsourcing its Guardian Creative department with up to 48 jobs involved.
Press Gazette understands that no journalists would be affected by a move to outsource the production of the commercially led guides and supplements produced by the creative department, which has a staff of 48.
Journalists are seconded to Guardian Creative to work on various projects, however none are permanently based in the department.
The Telegraph reported this week that contract publishers such as Square 7 Media and John Brown Publishing are in talks to take over the Guardian Creative role – which would could include production its award-winning series of Guardian Guides.
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A spokesman for GNM said: “The situation with Guardian Creative has been common knowledge for some time now, as it was announced to staff before Christmas that work was to commence on reviewing the function of the department, with the possibility of outsourcing some work, but also retaining some in-house.
“Guardian Creative previously sat within the wider marketing department. And as of January 2010, the team was moved to become part of the Advertising department. “Guardian Creative is therefore a commercial department and not part of GNM editorial. Occasionally staff from the editorial team are seconded to work on specific work streams.
“There is currently one editorial person in the department on such a secondment, so whatever ultimately happens with GC, their position with GNM editorial would not be affected.”
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Press Gazette understands that the Guardian Creative changes are unconnected with the recently announced departure of Guardian creative director Mark Porter after 14 years with the paper. His role included steering The Guardian through its 2006 relaunch in Berliner format.
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