150 UK jobs to go at IPC in Time Inc global cull – no guidance given on how journalists affected

IPC Media has revealed that up to 150 jobs are to be cut from its UK workforce.

It is also looking to change maternity benefits for existing staff and alter terms and conditions offered to new starters. It is said to be consulting with a "staff council" over the changes.

The publisher of magazines such as NME, Country Life and Woman declined to offer any guidance to Press Gazette on whether journalists were affected by the changes – saying it would be premature to do so ahead of a 90-day consultation.

The statement would appear to indicate that all staff are affected by the change.

The cuts come as parent company Time Inc revealed plans yesterday to slash 500 jobs from the global workforce.

Here is the memo from IPC chief executive Sylvia Auton to staff:

Dear colleague,

Earlier this month, I informed you of some of the difficult decisions the IPC board has had to make in order to develop our strategy to focus on activities that will ensure our future growth, as well as help weather the challenging market conditions.

Today, I am writing to you again to advise you that, in line with similar measures being taken across Time Inc, we have this morning advised the staff council of a number of planned organisational changes that may result in up to 150 fewer roles at IPC.

As these proposed changes affect more than 100 staff, a 90-day consultation period is now required. I regret having to bring this news to you but can assure you that the redundancy process will be carried out in a considered manner so that we can properly investigate all options as we consult, and provide those who may be affected with as much support as we can.

Dee Mair, our HR director, will advise how the full process will work over the coming days and more information about how this may affect your specific business area will be communicated by your Board director.

At the same time as we are consulting with the staff council over these potential redundancies, we will also be consulting with them over two further proposed changes: amendments to some of the terms and conditions for new starters; and alterations to our maternity leave policy for new pregnancies among both new and existing staff with effect from a date to be agreed with the staff council.

Please note that these proposed changes will not affect staff who are already pregnant or on maternity leave.

Of course, no-one likes the uncertainty that such changes bring and I thank you for your patience and understanding over the forthcoming months. But I believe strongly that it is the quality of IPC's people and the content we create that sets us apart from our competitors and makes us the successful business we are.

I know that I can continue to count on your talent, creativity and hard work to ensure we achieve our future goals in the constantly changing media landscape in which we operate.