CN Group’s switch to overnight printing puts jobs at risk
Almost thirty non-editorial jobs with CN Group look set for the axe with a move from “on-the-day” to overnight printing.
CN Group, publisher of the Carlisle News and Star and North-West Evening Mail, have started a consultation with their staff regarding the plans, which would include the outsourcing of distribution for all of the group’s newspapers and magazines with the knock-on effect of redundancies for van drivers in Carlisle, Barrow and Hexham.
Chief executive Robin Burgess explained:
“Both these changes should help us maintain copy sales of the News & Star and North West Evening Mail in difficult times.
“The print time would also allow us to outsource distribution, using the same distribution network as the national papers and save a considerable amount from our costs.
“These are positive moves to help secure the role all our titles play in their local areas, but it is sad because if we do go ahead we will be losing our drivers, many of whom have worked with us for many years.”
Should the proposals go ahead, staff will be consulted about potential changes to their work patterns.
Words: Peter Cribley