More jobs are under threat at regional newspaper publisher Johnston Press as a result of plans to switch production of its North East titles from Sunderland to Sheffield, 124 miles away.
The move comes after the company announced similar plans to move production of the Lancashire Evening Post to Sheffield last month and close a production hub in Sussex.
Stuart Birkett, the managing editor of Johnston subsidiary Northeast Press, which publishes the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette and Hartlepool Mail, said: “Following a detailed review of the editorial sub-editing and design production it is proposed to transfer this activity from North East Publishing Unit to Sheffield Editorial Hub.
“Prior to any implementation, we will consult extensively on an individual and collective basis under Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment Regulations 2006.
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“During the consultation process we will explain the procedure, consider all alternatives, examine ways of mitigating the effects of this proposal, and address any other issues that may arise.”
The consultation process is to be finish on 28 September.
Last month the company announced production at its Preston office was being transferred to the Sheffield hub. Staff that do not transfer are at risk of redundancy.
Five people lost their jobs when Johnston moved its Horsham hub to Peterborough in August.
In April the company announced it was closing five newspaper offices in the North East – including those of the Hartlepool Mail and Shields Gazette – with the loss of six jobs.
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