The editor of the Blackpool Citizen, Greg Morgan, has quit after his
request for a replacement photographer was denied, leaving two
photographers to cover three papers.
Citizen photographer Greg
Gater announced that he was leaving in November and the remaining
photographers covering the Preston and Chorley area were told they now
had to cover Blackpool due to a recruitment freeze.
Newsquest has
blamed the freeze, which will affect the Blackpool Citizen, Preston
Citizen, Chorley Citizen and the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, on a
“tough financial period”, although the company admits it is highly
profitable.
At least seven members of staff at the paper have filed complaints over the move under the company’s grievances procedures.
The
NUJ claims the company failed to consult with staff over the changes,
although they had been required to do so under the Information and
Consultation with Employees Regulations 2004.
In Morgan’s absence the assistant editor and features editor will help in the running of the weekly 64,133 circulation paper.
One
insider told Press Gazette: “Everyone is shocked and appalled by what
has happened. It would have taken a lot for Greg to quit.
“He’s
been editing weekly newspapers successfully for more than 10 years and
the staff have the utmost respect for him. How they’re going to replace
him is beyond me.”
Newsquest Blackburn managing director Jan Lever would not comment on Morgan’s resignation.
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