By Ruth Addicott
Emap is facing a staff exodus after journalists at Emap Active and Automotive were told they would have to transfer from London to Peterborough.
At least 50 staff are affected, including those on Car, Parker’s Car Price Guide and Nintendo magazines. Emap’s offices at Priory Court will close and a further 20 staff will move to other Emap offices in London.
One source claimed Car could lose up to 70 per cent of its editorial team. "Staff are enormously dispirited. It’s convenient in London, quickly popping out to meet a photographer and so on. I can’t see how they are going to make it work. There are recruitment as well as production issues," he said.
The move is also believed to have been prompted by congestion charges, which would affect Car magazine when they are brought in next month.
"We have a lot of cars coming in and out and we are not sure how congestion charging would affect our overheads," a source said.
Car editor Angus MacKenzie was more optimistic. "Inevitably a number of staff will be thinking about what their options are. Whatever happens, I’ll be editor," he said.
Emap is hoping the move will increase access to key staff and support functions.
Ruth Addicott
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