Johnston Press has extended a pay freeze on all of its UK employees until 2010.
Press Gazette reported a six-month deferral of salaries was implemented in December last year by the publisher.
Salary reviews were due to take place in the second half of this year, but that has been extended until 2010.
Johnston Press’s ad revenue was down 34 per cent year on year in the first four months of 2009.
It cancelled the sale of its Irish titles after failing to raise a suitable offer from bidders.
“All UK-based Johnston Press employees have been informed that, in view of the effect of the current economic situation on company profits and UK price inflation, no salary reviews will take place in 2009,” Johnston Press said.
“This follows the company’s decision last December to defer the decision on salary reviews for a period of six months. The next salary reviews will be in 2010.”
Johnston Press is not the only regional publisher trying to save cash in the economic downturn. Publishers Northcliffe and Archant implemented a pay freeze in March this year and Newsquest asked staff to take a week unpaid leave.
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