Nine journalists have applied for voluntary redundancy at The Scotsman and its sister titles after Johnston Press announced centralisation plans.
Last week, the company announced plans to merge subbing, picture desk and photography at The Scotsman, the Edinburgh Evening News, and Scotland on Sunday.
Johnston Press hoped to cut 11 jobs. Press Gazette understands that only nine volunteers have come forward.
The National Union of Journalists, which is meeting management today, said it was “optimistic” there will be no compulsory redundancies.
Related
NUJ Scotland national organiser Paul Holleran told Press Gazette: “We want to try to avoid compulsories. We’re optimistic we can.”
Holleran added there was concern that merged desks, and three shifts – early, days, and late – could mean unsocial work patterns for staff with familes.
According to ABC, The Scotsman’s circulation fell 9.34 per cent year on year – from 55,766 in January 2008, to 50,558 in January 2009.
Scotland on Sunday fell 14.61 per cent to 64,502.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
