The Press Association is closing its West Midlands bureau in Birmingham at the end of next month and asking its six staff to work from home instead.
The move is the result of a wider review of PA’s network of regional offices which Press Gazette understands could lead to similar closures in Manchester and Cardiff in the coming years.
PA said it could not justify the cost of renting the office space when its journalists spent most of their time outside, working on stories. It will be closed when the lease expires on 1 July.
The company is working with the affected staff to ensure they have the proper equipment and work-related phone and internet usage will be paid for by the company.
PA editor Jonathan Grun said: “Our West Midlands reporters often go for days without visiting the Birmingham office
“They are out and about finding stories and filing back to the newsdesk from just about anywhere.
“At a time when everyone is looking at costs, we want to make sure our editorial budget is being used in the best possible way.”
Subject to consultation, PA is considering doing the same in Manchester and Cardiff when office leases come up for renewal in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
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