New Statesman management to discuss NUJ recognition

Management at the New Statesman could soon recognise the National Union of Journalists after both sides confirmed more meetings for next month.

The magazine does not formally recognise the union – meaning it cannot negotiate pay and conditions – despite 15 of its 16 journalists being NUJ members.

This week, the NUJ said it was “astounded” at the stance, considering the magazine’s left-wing editorial focus, and Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson being its part-owner.

The New Statesman was formed in 1913 ‘with the aim of permeating the educated and influential classes with socialist ideas”.

But the title’s publisher, Spencer Neal, denied the magazine had snubbed the union.

‘There is no change in heart,’he told Press Gazette. ‘The New Statesman has had a long and warm relationship with trade unions of all descriptions, including the NUJ.

‘We look forward to the meeting and continuing our dialogue.”

Sue Harris, the NUJ organiser for magazines, will attend the meeting with the union’s general secretary, Jeremy Dear.

Harris said: ‘It’s great to see our negotiations back on track. We are delighted to be discussing recognition with a magazine that supports trade unions in its editorial columns.

‘We hope to negotiate a voluntary recognition agreement without having to go through the statutory procedure.’

The union is also in talks with the magazine about possible redundancies, which emerged this week.